Following its sweeping victory in 209 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is turning its attention to the 50 reserved seats for women in the Jatiya Sangsad. With the formation of the new cabinet under Chairman Tarique Rahman, potential nominees are intensifying efforts to secure nominations.
Party insiders report that many women leaders are preparing detailed profiles highlighting their political work, role in movements, imprisonment, organizational skills, and loyalty to the party.
Some are reaching out to senior central leaders, while others are meeting influential government figures for support. Meetings with Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other key BNP leaders have reportedly increased. The party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan has seen a steady stream of aspiring candidates seeking attention from the high command.
Under the Constitution, 50 reserved seats for women are allocated proportionally based on general election results. With 209 general seats, BNP is expected to receive 37 of the reserved seats, intensifying competition within the party.
Several senior leaders noted that the formal nomination process has yet to begin and no final decisions have been made in party forums. The current government is prioritizing administrative and policy matters, and discussions on reserved seat nominations are expected to follow.
A policymaking-level leader said the seats will not simply be political rewards. “Active participation in movements, organizational capability, a clean public image, and leadership potential will all be considered,” the leader said.
There is also talk of a “one family, one nomination” policy, which could create opportunities for new faces while limiting chances for established figures from political families. Party sources indicate there is an inclination not to nominate individuals from families that already have MPs or ministers.
Speaking to reporters at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan on Monday, Mirza Fakhrul emphasized that nominees must have strong engagement with both the people and the party. “Those who have remained with the party will be given priority,” he said.
Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal General Secretary Sultana Ahmed expressed hope that her long involvement in movements and experience of imprisonment would be recognized.
Seat Distribution
The 13th Jatiya Sangsad includes 50 reserved seats for women, roughly one for every six directly elected MPs. The Constitution mandates that elections to these seats be completed within 90 days of the gazette notification of general election results.
According to party and Election Commission sources, BNP is likely to secure 37 reserved seats. Its ally Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami may receive 11–12 seats, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) could get one. The remaining seats are expected to go to independents and smaller parties. The Election Commission has indicated that the process may conclude during Ramadan, with party-nominated candidates effectively elected.
Potential Candidates
More than 50 women leaders are reportedly in contention. 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 Power Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Advocate Fahima Nasrin Munni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, general secretary of Dhaka district BNP and daughter of Cultural Affairs Minister Nityai 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 Maqbul 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 Bogura 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.
