The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced the final list of 36 candidates for the reserved women's seats in the 13th National Parliament elections. The list combines experienced leaders and new faces, but it has also created debate due to some exclusions and inclusions of controversial Awami League leaders.
The party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the names at a press conference held at the party's central office in Nayapaltan on Monday at around 12:15 pm.
Leaders said the nominations were finalized after two days of interviews. They added that priority was given to those who were active in political movements, showed sacrifice, had strong organizational skills, and faced cases or attacks.
The list includes well-known senior leaders such as Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana and Rasheda Begum Hira. At the same time, discussed and emerging figures like Nipun Roy Chowdhury and Shakila Farzana have also been included.
Party sources said young leaders active in street protests were given importance, showing the party's future political strategy.
Several known figures did not get nominations. Among them are Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal president Afroza Abbas, former MP Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia, and singer Kanakchampa.
Also excluded are Nazmun Nahar Baby, Selina Hafiz and Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud, wife of late BNP leader Moudud Ahmed.
Recently joined actress Ruqaiya Jahan and singer Baby Nazneen were also not included.
Some nominees are relatives of influential leaders. These include Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Shakila Farzana, Shirin Sultana and Beethika Binte Hussain.
This has sparked discussion inside and outside the party. However, BNP leaders said the nominations were based on merit and sacrifice.
The inclusion of two individuals linked to the Bangladesh Awami League has created criticism.
The inclusion of the names of two individuals associated with the Bangladesh Awami League in the announced list has sparked criticism in the political arena.
The list includes Suborna Sikder Thakur, the forest and environment secretary of the Kashiani Upazila Awami League in Gopalganj, and former APP Madhavi Marma. They have been ranked 20th and 34th respectively on the BNP list.
Sources say Madhavi Marma previously served as an assistant public prosecutor for the Awami League and did not hold BNP positions. This raised concerns about ignoring long-time party activists.
On social media, Cynthia Ya criticized the decision, saying a former Awami League-linked lawyer was nominated by BNP.
Meanwhile, Bandarban district BNP joint convener Mujibur Rashid said local leaders supported other candidates but are respecting the central decision.
List of BNP nominees
The 36 nominees include Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akhter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arli, Mosammat Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Sakila Farzana, Helen Zerin Khan, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeba Amin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sansila Zebrin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minaj, Suborna Sikder, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akhter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Beethika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Zerin, Mansura Akhter, Zaharat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan, Papon Shawkat Akhter, Madhavi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana.
