Why are Bangladeshi women not more prominent in politics, despite having two women leaders? In fact, male control of both the public and private spheres hinders women's political participation. In the public sphere, women have to contend with mastan culture (mastan culture refers to the killers, extortionists, looters, and perpetrators of violent crimes who operate under the supervision of so-called 'godfathers') (Rashiduzzaman 2001: 23) and availability of illegal arms, accessibility to black market money and fear of sexual harassment (Chowdhury 2009). In 2013, the cabinet has six women lead important ministries, including defence, foreign affairs, energy, agriculture, labour and employment.