Following the victory in the 13th National Parliament elections and the subsequent formation of the government, political activity around the reserved women’s seats has intensified. According to party sources, based on the number of general seats won, the BNP-led alliance is poised to secure 37 out of the 50 reserved women’s seats. The Election Commission plans to complete this election within the month of Ramadan.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud stated, “The Commission aims to finalise the reserved women’s seat elections before Eid. Constitutionally, these elections must be held within 90 days of the gazette notification of general election results.”
General Election Results and Reserved Seat Allocation
| Category | Number of Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BNP-led alliance general seat wins | 212 | February 12 election results |
| Party candidates leading | 2 | Yet to be confirmed |
| Independents affiliated with BNP | 7 | Elected outside party nominations |
| Estimated reserved women’s seats | 37 | Based on general seat victories |
In the 12 February general election, the BNP-led alliance won 212 seats, with two additional constituencies showing party candidates in the lead. Seven independents, all senior BNP leaders who contested outside the party’s official endorsement, were also elected. This positions the party to potentially claim 37 reserved women’s seats.
Senior party leaders have indicated that nominations will be made in line with the Election Commission’s schedule, taking into account merit, political sacrifice, and experience. The party intends to replicate the nomination balance of seasoned and emerging leaders, as seen in the 13th parliamentary elections.
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, a Standing Committee member and Minister for Power and Energy, said, “Decisions will be based on political contribution, experience, and past service. The balance between senior and younger leaders will be maintained as before.”
Leading Nomination Contenders
Over a hundred BNP and allied organisation leaders have expressed interest in the 37 seats. Many are actively lobbying in Dhaka, maintaining contact with top party officials. The key contenders include:
| Name | Position / Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Begum Selima Rahman | Standing Committee member, former State Minister |
| Afroza Abbas | President of BNP Women’s Wing, Dhaka-9 aspirant |
| Beethika Binte Hussain | Spouse of late Shafiul Bari Babu, activist with Arpon Alok Sangha |
| Helen Jarin Khan | Senior Joint Secretary, BNP Women’s Wing |
| Nipun Rai Chowdhury | Secretary, Dhaka District BNP |
| Sanjida Islam | Coordinator, Maer Dak organisation |
Other notable names include Shirin Sultana, Sultana Ahmed, Najmun Nahar Bebi, former MP Shammi Akter, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Asifa Ashrafi Papia, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehena Akter Ranu, Yasmin Ara Haque, Jahan Panna, Bilkis Islam, and Farida Yasmin. Prominent figures from professional and cultural fields, such as singers Bebi Naznin, Rizia Parvin, Konok Chapa, and journalist Shahnaz Poli, are also under consideration. Hasna Jasimuddin Maudud, spouse of the late Standing Committee member Barrister Maudud Ahmed, is another potential candidate.
Emerging Leaders and Youth Contenders
Among the younger generation, names under discussion include Shahana Akter Sanu, Niyaz Halima Arly, Rabeya Alam, Zeba Amin Khan, Shahinur Nargis, Tanzin Chowdhury Lily, Nadia Pathan Papon, Shaukat Ara Urmi, Selina Sultana Nishita, Shahinur Sagar, Dr. Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, Arifa Sultana Ruma, Samira Tanzina Chowdhury, and Syeda Adiba Hossain.
Many hopefuls are currently stationed in Dhaka, actively liaising with senior party leaders. Some have previously contested parliamentary elections and were either unsuccessful or denied nominations. Ultimately, the final list of nominees will be confirmed under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, ensuring a strategic mix of experience, contribution, and loyalty to the party.
With this process, BNP aims to strengthen women’s representation and leadership within the next parliament, reflecting both seasoned leadership and new political talent.