Dhaka, March 29, SPA -- Forty-five women were sworn in as lawmakers inBangladesh's 'Jatiya Sangsad' (Parliament) on Sunday, officials said. The women were earlier this month elected unopposed to seatsreserved for women. They were expected to join Sunday's session,which follows after a nine-day recess. Thirty-six of the new lawmakers belong to ruling Awami League(AL), four to Jatiya Party, a coalition partner of the AL, and therest belong to the mainstream opposition Bangladesh NationalistParty, according to a report of DPA. The 45 were elected unopposed on March 19, as their partiesnominated them on party strength in the 300-strong House, bringingthe total number of lawmakers to 345. Bangladesh, which returned to democratic system through late lastyear's general elections ending nearly two years rule of amilitary-backed government, has a constitutional provision to reserve45 seats for women. Women are also free to contest parliament elections directly. Presently, women hold the posts of head of the government, leaderand deputy leader of parliament, leader of the opposition and homeand foreign ministers in Bangladesh.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/649013