Political Parties Sideline Women Ahead of 12 Feb Election

Women’s representation in Bangladesh’s upcoming 12 February National Election remains sharply limited, with only 62 female candidates surviving scrutiny of nomination papers, underscoring a persistent gender gap in electoral politics.

Although a gentlemen’s agreement under the July National Charter 2025 urged political parties to nominate at least 5 per cent women candidates in the next general election and 10 per cent in the 14th parliament, the commitment was not made constitutionally binding and was largely ignored.

Of the 105 women aspirants, including 37 independent candidates, who submitted nomination papers, 42 were disqualified during scrutiny conducted between 30 December and 4 January. In addition, three nomination papers of BNP chairperson late Khaleda Zia for Dinajpur-3, Bogura-7 and Feni-1 were not scrutinised.

Overall, 2,568 aspirants filed nomination papers across the country’s 300 constituencies. Returning officers declared 1,842 nominations valid and rejected 723.

Among the 51 political parties contesting the election, only 16 parties, including the BNP, nominated women candidates. The remaining 35 parties, notably Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, did not field a single female aspirant.

Despite nominating around 2,020 male candidates, political parties nominated just 68 women, accounting for a mere 3.25 per cent of total nominees.

BNP fielded the highest number of women candidates in 15 constituencies, but after scrutiny, only 11 female BNP candidates remain in the race. These candidates are contesting seats in Natore, Meherpur, Jashore, Jhalakathi, Sherpur, Manikganj, Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur and Sylhet.

Among the 37 independent women aspirants, only five candidates were declared valid.

Several smaller parties also nominated women candidates, including Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, Ganasamhati Andolan, Jatiya Party, National Citizen Party and AB Party, though some lost candidacy during scrutiny.

The Election Commission announced the election schedule on 12 December, setting 12 February, 2026, for both the 13th national election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order.

Aggrieved candidates may file appeals until 9 January, with hearings scheduled from 10 to 18 January. The deadline for withdrawal is 20 January, while campaigning will run from 22 January until 48 hours before polling day.