BNP sees intense competition for reserved women’s seats

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Competition among aspirants in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has intensified ahead of the reserved women’s seat election for the 13th parliament.

Hundreds of applications have already been submitted to the party office, although no official call for applications was issued.

Party sources say nomination forms began being sold at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan from Friday. On the first day alone, more than 500 forms were sold, showing strong interest. The process will continue until Sunday.

Sources indicate that members of the central executive committee, women leaders, and former student wing-linked young leaders are leading the race. Many are preparing CVs highlighting political experience, movement participation, and organizational skills.

A total of 36 reserved seats are expected for the BNP alliance out of 50 reserved women’s seats, based on general seat allocation rules.

One candidate, former student leader Arifa Sultana, said those active in long political struggles should be given due recognition.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the parliamentary board will finalize nominations based on political contribution, educational qualifications, and parliamentary capability.

Party observers say competition this time is higher than ever, making final selection difficult.