Popular Bangladeshi singers Baby Naznin and Konok Chapa have formally entered the political arena by collecting nomination forms from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for reserved women’s seats in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament).
The nomination process began on 10 April at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan, where forms for women’s reserved seats were distributed among aspirants. The move marks the latest phase in the party’s preparations for parliamentary representation, particularly in seats allocated for women members under the national quota system.
According to party sources, Konok Chapa has submitted her nomination form for the Sirajganj-1 (Kazipur) constituency, signalling her active interest in securing parliamentary representation. Meanwhile, Baby Naznin collected her nomination form for Nilphamari-4 (Saidpur and Kishoreganj) and is expected to submit it formally on the following day. Both artists have long-standing associations with the political ideology of BNP, and their participation has attracted significant public attention.
Nomination Details Overview
| Candidate | Profession | Constituency / Seat | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Naznin | Singer | Nilphamari-4 (Saidpur & Kishoreganj) | Form collected, submission pending |
| Konok Chapa | Singer | Sirajganj-1 (Kazipur) | Form submitted |
After collecting her nomination form, Baby Naznin stated that her decision to enter politics stems from nearly four decades of political alignment and a desire to contribute to national development, particularly in guiding younger generations. She emphasised her long-standing loyalty to party decisions, stating that she has consistently respected the party line over the past 40 years and would continue to do so in the future.
“I have always followed the party’s decisions over the past four decades, and I will continue to do so. My aim is to work for the country and for the development of the younger generation,” she said, highlighting her commitment to public service alongside her artistic career.
Baby Naznin has been one of the most recognised voices in Bangladeshi music for decades, with a career spanning both playback singing and independent music. Her entry into formal politics is being viewed as part of a broader trend of cultural figures transitioning into public life.
Similarly, Konok Chapa expressed optimism about her nomination prospects after collecting the form. She noted that her long-standing dedication to the party had been taken into consideration and expressed hope that this would be reflected in the final decision. However, she also emphasised her willingness to accept any outcome determined by the party leadership, reinforcing her respect for internal organisational discipline.
The BNP’s decision-making process for reserved women’s seats is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the party’s parliamentary representation in the upcoming session. Reserved seats are typically allocated based on proportional representation, and party leadership selections often reflect both political strategy and internal recognition of loyalty and contribution.
The inclusion of high-profile cultural personalities in the nomination race has added a new dimension to the political landscape, generating public interest and debate about the role of celebrities in governance. While supporters argue that such figures can strengthen public engagement and representation, others raise questions about experience and policy expertise.
As the nomination process continues, attention will remain focused on the BNP leadership’s final selections and whether prominent cultural figures such as Baby Naznin and Konok Chapa will secure their place in the next parliament.