CUMILLA, Mar 4: Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections, a vigorous contest has begun among more than half a dozen women aspiring to secure the reserved women's seat from Cumilla. The prospective candidates are reportedly lobbying intensively with ministers, MPs, and central party leaders, aiming to secure party nomination.
Since the formation of the cabinet, several of these candidates have been staying in Dhaka, meeting ministers and senior party figures, and presenting their credentials along with letters detailing their achievements and contributions. The lobbying includes emphasizing their political activism, family background, loyalty to the party, organizational positions, and personal experience in public service.
Within this group, six women are currently being highlighted as potential nominees. However, speculation continues among local party leaders and various quarters regarding who will finally be selected.
Profiles of potential candidates:
Shamima Akter Rubi is the International Affairs Secretary of the central women's committee of her party. Previously, she served as the vice president of the France-based women's wing. During her student life at Muradnagar Baduil Alam Degree College, she was active in the student parliament.
Rubi gained nationwide recognition for her patriotic song "Mukti Chai" during the Khaldo Joyi liberation campaign, earning appreciation from youth groups across the country. She told, "I have always stood at the forefront of women's struggles in every movement and anti-fascist campaign. I hope the party will recognize my efforts."
Advocate Sabera Alauddin Hena is a central women's committee and executive committee member of the party. She currently serves as general secretary of the southern Cumilla women's wing and is also a member of the party's southern executive committee. Her late husband, Alauddin Ahmed, was the general secretary of the party's youth wing. "After my husband's death in 2008, I became active in grassroots politics," Hano said. "I have participated in every movement of the party, despite facing eight cases in Dhaka's Paltan police station and one in Cumilla in 2018. Many nights I could not sleep at home due to fear. I hope the party will consider my nomination."
Sufia Begum is President of the northern Cumilla women's wing and former vice-chairperson of Debidwar Upazila Parishad. She is also a member of the central women's committee. "I have worked to strengthen the party in northern Cumilla and participated in anti-Awami League movements," she said.
Sakina Begum has been leading the southern Cumilla women's wing for the past 16 years and currently serves as a member of the southern executive committee. Previously, she was the women's affairs secretary of the southern wing. She said, "For 17 years, I have been on the frontlines against the misrule of the Awami League, facing attacks and harassment. I hope the chairman considers my candidacy carefully."
Shahnaz Akter is the widow and political associate of Humayun Kabir Parvez, the former Laksam municipal party president who went missing on November 27, 2013. Shahnaz is now the vice-president of Laksam municipal party and central president of the Bangladesh Human Rights Forum. "My husband was disappeared for being active in the party," she said. "I have worked on the ground for 13 years. I hope the party values my contributions."
Advocate Dalia Rahman is the former joint general secretary of the central Chhatra Dal. A law graduate from Eastern University, Daliya comes from Arjuntala Village under Barura municipality. She said, "Many have advised me to pursue the reserved women's MP position."
Additionally, Dilara Sharin, Vice-Chairperson of Mughna Upazila Parishad and General Secretary of northern Cumilla women's wing, is also in the discussion. The party's central executive has reportedly shortlisted several names based on long-term contributions, but the final decision rests solely with the party chairman.
BNP's Joint Organizing Secretary Kumi Mia said, "Many names are being considered for the reserved seat. They have long records of service to the party. But the final decision rests with the chairperson. We believe only the deserving will be chosen."
In the 13th parliamentary elections, BNP candidates won eight of Cumilla 's 11 seats. Among them, Aminur Rashd Yasin, Zakaria Taher Sumon, and Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad have now entered ministerial positions.
Historically, the reserved women's seat in Cumilla has seen prominent figures like Advocate Aroma Dutta, granddaughter of freedom fighter Dhirendra Nath Dutta, and Anjum Sultana Seema, daughter of the late senior Awami League leader Advocate Afzal Khan, serve as MPs. Advocate Aroma Dutta later regained her seat in the 12th parliament.
