Hundreds Compete for BNP’s 36 Reserved Women’s Seats as Key Names Emerge in Nomination Race

The race for reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s parliament has intensified as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to receive 36 seats, triggering a surge of interest among aspiring candidates, with more than 700 applications already submitted to the party’s central office in Nayapaltan.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, the party did not initially call for applications, yet a large number of hopefuls submitted their candidacies, while the official sale of nomination forms began recently, with over 500 forms sold on the first day alone.

The competition includes a wide mix of candidates, ranging from senior female leaders within the BNP’s central executive committee and members of its women’s wing to younger figures who previously held positions in student politics. Many aspirants are actively lobbying for nominations by highlighting their roles in past political movements, party loyalty, and organizational experience, while also reaching out to senior party leaders and influential figures to strengthen their chances.

The reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament total 50, distributed proportionally among parties based on their representation, with BNP expected to secure 36 seats, while other alliances will receive the remaining positions. The election for these seats is scheduled for May 12, and party leaders have indicated that final nominations will be decided by the parliamentary board based on criteria such as political contributions, educational qualifications, and the ability to effectively perform parliamentary duties.

Several prominent names are already being widely discussed as potential nominees, including leaders from the women’s wing, central committee members, and figures from diverse professional backgrounds such as politics, activism, and the cultural sector. Among those frequently mentioned are Afrozza Abbas, Shirin Sultana, Rashida Begum, Rehena Akter, Shammi Akter, Helen Jerin Khan, Nazmun Nahar Baby, Arifa Sultana, Selina Hafiz, Nurunnahar Reza, and Sanjida Islam, along with well-known cultural personalities like singers Kanak Chapa and Baby Naznin. Other names under discussion include Sultana Ahmed, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Nilufa Chowdhury, Bilkis Islam, Syeda Asifa Ashrafi, Rokhsana Khanam, Ayesha Siddika, Newaz Halima, Farida Yasmin, and several candidates who previously contested parliamentary elections but were unsuccessful.

Additionally, relatives of prominent BNP leaders and politically active individuals from various districts are also being considered, reflecting a broad and competitive field. Party insiders suggest that the final list is likely to include a balance of experienced politicians and younger, educated, and active women leaders, with those emerging from student politics believed to have a strong chance. The ongoing nomination process highlights both the high stakes within the party and the growing importance of women’s representation in Bangladesh’s parliamentary politics, with final decisions expected soon as the election date approaches.