BNP names 36 candidates for reserved women’s seats in 13th Parliament

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has officially finalised its panel of nominees for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament, marking an important step in its parliamentary preparations.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the list at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan in Dhaka on Monday.

He publicised the names of the 36 selected candidates in the presence of senior party leaders and media representatives.

The nominated candidates include a wide range of political figures and party activists, reflecting BNP’s effort to represent women from diverse backgrounds within its parliamentary delegation.

The list features Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akhter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arly, Mosammat Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Shakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Jeba Amin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sansila Zebrin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minj, Subarna Sikder, Shamima Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akhtar, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hussain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akhter, Joharat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alam, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Shaukat Ara Akhter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana.

Party insiders said the selection process aimed to balance political experience, organisational contribution and regional representation. Leaders also noted that the inclusion of both senior and emerging women leaders reflects the party’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in national politics.

The announcement comes as political parties across the country prepare for the formation of the 13th Parliament, with reserved women’s seats playing a key role in ensuring gender representation in the legislative process.

BNP leaders expressed hope that the nominated candidates will contribute actively to parliamentary debates and policy-making, particularly on issues related to women’s empowerment, social development and governance reforms.