The Election Commission (EC) has initially declared the nomination papers of 36 candidates from the BNP alliance valid for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament.
The nomination of one independent candidate, Sultana Jasmine, has also been found valid.
Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan announced the development on Thursday after completing scrutiny of nomination papers. Assistant Returning Officer Md Monir Hossain was present.
He said the nomination of NCP candidate Monira Sharmin remains pending, as required documents—including proof of resignation—were not submitted. Under the rules, a candidate must complete three years after leaving government service to be eligible. She has been asked to submit the necessary documents by 12pm.
Md Moin Uddin Khan also said appeals against the scrutiny decision can be filed by Sunday, while April 29 is the last date for withdrawal of candidacy.
The valid BNP alliance candidates include Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akhter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arli, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Shakila Farzana, Helen Zerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeba Amin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sansila Zebrin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minj, Suborna Sikder, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akhter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bitika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Zerin, Mansura Akhter, Zaharat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alam, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Shawkat Ara Akhter, Madhavi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana.
The EC said appeals can be submitted on April 26 between 9am and 4pm, with hearings scheduled for April 27 and 28.
The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, while symbols will be allocated on April 30.
Voting for the reserved women’s seats is scheduled to take place on May 12 from 8am to 4pm.
