BNP Sees Record Interest for Women’s Reserved Seats

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has received over 500 applications from aspiring candidates seeking nomination for the 35 reserved women’s seats in the Thirteenth National Parliament. Candidates have submitted applications from nearly every district, underscoring the fierce competition within the party.

There is no formal application format, yet candidates have provided handwritten or typed resumes on plain sheets, often accompanied by detailed accounts of their participation in BNP activities. Many applicants have also included photographs from rallies, meetings, and party programmes to demonstrate their involvement. Each application is addressed to the party chairman and Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, according to sources at the BNP Paltan office.

A party official, requesting anonymity, told Bangladesh Pratidin that applications were received until 16 March. “Over 500 applications were submitted in just a few days, setting a new record for the party,” he said. The applications will be reviewed by the party high command, which will make the final decisions.

A female party leader from Khulna said she has been active in BNP politics for many years and has made significant sacrifices for the party. “I submitted my application hoping that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will evaluate my experience and contributions carefully,” she said. She added that she has already been in contact with several central leaders, who have offered assurances of support. Many other aspirants are reportedly lobbying the central leadership in a similar manner.

Candidates are also intensifying campaigns on social media, opening multiple pages and promoting their candidacies through paid campaigns. Photos of rallies and party programmes are being shared widely to attract the attention of BNP’s high command.

Party sources indicate that the race for nominations began soon after the formation of the new cabinet under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. Candidates are actively seeking endorsements from influential government figures. Women who previously served in the student wing, Chhatra Dal, and leaders of the women’s league appear to be particularly well-positioned. However, the final decisions rest solely with the party high command. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the nomination process for reserved women’s seats may take until after Eid to conclude.

Constitutionally, the 50 reserved women’s seats in parliament are allocated proportionally based on the number of general seats won. BNP, having secured 209 general seats, is entitled to 35 reserved seats. Other allocations include 11 for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, one for the National Citizens Party (NCP), and three for small parties and independent winners.

In the 299 contested general seats, 86 women candidates stood for direct election, with seven emerging victorious—six from BNP and one independent. Once the 50 reserved seats are filled, the total number of women MPs will reach 57, representing approximately 16 per cent of the 350-member parliament.