The BNP has revealed its final selection of 36 candidates for the 50 reserved seats for women in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The nominees represent a diverse mix of seasoned politicians, young organizers, and individuals with familial political ties.
Among the selected candidates, there are 10 former lawmakers and senior party figures, along with eight individuals from established political families. The list also includes three candidates who were unsuccessful in the 2026 general election, six with backgrounds in student politics, and the remaining nominees are new faces. Notably, one inclusion has sparked dissatisfaction among certain party members.
The announcement of the names was made by Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
The list features prominent figures such as Selima Rahman, a BNP standing committee member and former state minister for cultural affairs, as well as Shirin Sultana, a central committee member and former lawmaker. Additionally, individuals with previous parliamentary experience include Bilkis Islam, Helen Zerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Sultana Ahmed, and Shammi Akter. Family-linked nominees like Newaz Halima Arly, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Shakila Farzana, and Bithika Binte Hossain are also among those nominated.
Furthermore, first-time nominees like Mosammat Farida Yasmin, Zeeba Amina Khan, Fahima Nasrin Munni, Suraia Zarin Rony, and others are set to enter parliament. The list also includes leaders with backgrounds in student politics such as Mansura Akter, Sanzida Yasmin, Arifa Sultana, Nadia Pathan Papon, Selina Sultana Nishita, Shawkat Ara Akter, and Rezeka Sultana.
Notably, three nominees who faced defeat in the 2026 national election have been nominated, including Sabira Sultana, Sanjida Islam Tulee, and Sunsila Jabrin Priyanka. The inclusion of Subarna Thakur, who reportedly switched from Kashiani upazila Awami League to BNP, has raised concerns among local party leaders regarding party unity and internal divisions.
In response to the nomination, Subarna clarified her political background and emphasized her previous involvement with BNP’s student wing during her college days. Senior party leaders have stated that the selection of the 36 nominees aims to maintain a balance between experience, family political ties, young leadership, and social diversity.
