Speakers at a Saturday workshop in a hotel in the capital called for political narratives to align with social values, arguing that interactive discussions and participatory exercises can help political workers build inclusive movements. The event, titled “Transformative Change Making and Political Strategy Making,” was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies with support from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Young women political activists from different political parties and student organizations attended.

CGS Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi stressed the need to expand women’s involvement in electoral politics and secure their fair position in democratic institutions. He said meaningful inclusion requires more than increasing numerical representation; women must actively participate in decision-making and democratic leadership. FES Bangladesh Program Adviser Sadhan Kumar Das outlined the organization’s work on democratization, political participation and social inclusion in Bangladesh.

FES Bangladesh Resident Representative Dr. Felix Gerdes led discussions on transformative political change, strategic thinking and coalition-building. Participants mapped political and social actors and considered how demands ranging from economic concerns to public services could connect with a broader democratic agenda. The workshop concluded with an interactive exchange emphasizing inclusive leadership and collaborative action.