Bangladesh has progressed recently from a low- to a medium-developed country. Women, representing 49.4% of a population totaling 158.5 million, have been marching ahead in many sectors for the last few years. The net enrollment rate of girls in primary education is 98.1%, compared to 95.4% for men, and in secondary education the rate is 63.6% women compared to 51.6% men. 57% of women (15 years and up) are economically active. In the RMG industry, 80% of employees are women. At present 20% of seats in the national parliament are held by women. In spite of such recent achievements, Bangladesh is still a “medium human development” country with a HDI (Human Development Index) of 0.554 and a low adult literacy rate (59%). Science education in general is less popular compared to business studies because of demand in the job market. The percentage of women in physics (30%) in Bangladesh is comparable with many of the developed countries. The advancement of women in many sectors is quite satisfactory, but enhancement of women’s participation in science and engineering is still far from satisfactory. Women physicists and researchers, in spite of hard work, sincerity, and intellectual capability, are still underrepresented in policy-making and scientific leadership positions in academic and research organizations.
