Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is witnessing significant enthusiasm and competition for the reserved seats for women in the National Parliament. According to party sources, more than 600 women have already submitted applications seeking nomination. This large number of applicants is competing for just 36 seats.
Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan on Saturday, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, said that over 500 nomination forms were sold on the very first day. As of today, that number has exceeded 600, and the sale and submission of forms will continue until the deadline.
He added, “The applications from nomination seekers will be sent to the party’s Parliamentary Board, where the final decision will be made.”
Party sources said that the list of aspirants includes central leaders, top leaders of the women’s wing, former leaders of the student wing, professional women, and former Members of Parliament. Women from various professions—such as artists, teachers, and lawyers-have also joined the race. Many are submitting their resumes to party policymakers, highlighting their political activities, organizational experience, and social standing.
Lobbying and networking efforts within the party have also intensified. Some aspirants are directly contacting senior leaders, while others are trying to meet top leadership by visiting parliamentary constituencies.
Meanwhile, a significant number of women who have been active in political movements are demanding priority in nominations. They argue that despite enduring arrests, legal cases, and repression while being active on the streets for years, their contributions risk being overlooked amid the influx of new candidates.
According to party insiders, several factors will be considered in the selection process, including contributions to political movements, educational qualifications, organizational skills, and the ability to perform effectively in parliament.
Rizvi said, “After 15 to 17 years of political struggle, a democratic environment has emerged, and the BNP wants to utilize it. Therefore, candidates will be selected through a transparent and democratic process.”
The Election Commission has already announced the election schedule for the reserved women’s seats. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 21, scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23, and voting is scheduled for May 12.
Out of the 50 reserved seats for women in the National Parliament, the BNP-led alliance is expected to receive 36 seats, leading to intense competition within the party.
Party sources further said that efforts will be made to maintain a balance between new and experienced candidates. Alongside seasoned leaders, a considerable number of young, educated, and politically active women may get opportunities. There is also a positive outlook toward leaders who have emerged from student politics.
Potential Candidates
Prominent names include: BNP Organizing Secretary (Barishal division) Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, Hasna Jasim Uddin Moudud, wife of the late Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Afroza Abbas, president of Mohila Dal and wife of Mirza Abbas, former MP Hasina Ahmed, wife of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Rumana Mahmud, wife of Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Advocate Fahima Nasrin Munni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, general secretary of Dhaka district BNP and daughter of Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Nazmun Nahar Baby, vice-president of Mohila Dal and wife of Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon.
Joint Secretary Helen Jerin Khan, Samira Tanzina Chowdhury, daughter of the late Haris Chowdhury, Syeda Adiba Hossain, daughter of former MP Mockbul Hossain, Fahsina Haque Lira, president of Mohila Dal and granddaughter of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, Professor Rokeya Chowdhury Baby, Jhalakathi BNP leader Zeba Amin Khan.
Other names under discussion include singers Baby Naznin and Kanak Chapa; former councillor Ferdousi Ahmed Misti; Bithika Binte Hossain, wife of the late Swechchhasebak Dal president Shafiul Bari Babu; Barrister Shakila Farzana, daughter of former BNP whip Syed Wahidul Alam; Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, former member of Dhaka South BNP; and Advocate Shahzadi Laila Arjumand Banu, president of Bogra district Mohila Dal.
Additional possible candidates include former MPs Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Rehena Akhter Ranu; former Dhaka University Chhatra Dal leader Shammi Akhter; former Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal leader Asifa Ashrafi Papia; Rasheda Begum; Yasmin Ara Haque; Jahan Panna; Bilkis Islam; and Farida Yasmin.
Several women who lost in the general election are also being considered, including Dr Sansila Jebrin Priyanka (Sherpur-1), Sanjida Islam Tuli (Dhaka-14), and Mosammat Sabira Sultana (Jessore-2). Party sources indicate some of them may eventually secure nominations to the reserved seats.
