The BNP has unveiled 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 family political ties. Among the candidates are 10 former lawmakers and senior party figures, along with eight hailing from well-established political families. The list also includes three candidates who faced defeat in the 2026 general election, six with roots in student politics, and the remaining being newcomers. However, the inclusion of one nominee has sparked discontent among certain party members.
During a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi revealed the names of the candidates. The list features prominent figures like Selima Rahman, a BNP standing committee member and former state minister for cultural affairs; Shirin Sultana, a central committee member and wife of current BNP MP Khairul Kabir Khokon; Rasheda Begum Hira, BNP training affairs secretary; Rehana Akter Ranu, assistant training affairs secretary; Bilkis Islam, Helen Zerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Sultana Ahmed, and Shammi Akter, all with prior parliamentary experience.
Additionally, the lineup includes family-linked nominees such as Newaz Halima Arly, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Shakila Farzana, Bithika Binte Hossain, Ferdousi Ahmed, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, and Anna Minj. Notable first-time nominees in the list are Mosammat Farida Yasmin, Zeeba Amina Khan, Fahima Nasrin Munni, Suraia Zarin Rony, Fahmida Haq, Shamim Ara Shapna, and Madhabi Marma.
Several nominees with backgrounds in student politics have also been nominated, including Mansura Akter, Sanzida Yasmin, Arifa Sultana, Nadia Pathan Papon, Selina Sultana Nishita, Shawkat Ara Akter, and Rezeka Sultana. Additionally, the list features three candidates who had previously lost in the 2026 national election: Sabira Sultana, Sanjida Islam Tulee, and Sunsila Jabrin Priyanka.
The nomination of Subarna Thakur, who reportedly switched from the Awami League to the BNP prior to the national polls, has raised concerns within the party. Local BNP leaders have expressed apprehensions about the decision, stating that it might lead to internal divisions and impact party unity and electoral activities negatively.
In response to the controversy, Subarna clarified that while she was associated with the Awami League in the past, she was never officially part of the party and did not consent to the position she was allegedly assigned. She emphasized her long-standing involvement in politics dating back to her student days with BNP’s student wing.
Senior party officials have highlighted that the selection of the 36 candidates aims to strike a balance between experience, family political backgrounds, emerging leadership, and social diversity.