Affidavits reveal wide wealth gap among women seat candidates

Affidavits submitted by candidates contesting the reserved women's seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad present a diverse picture, from crores-worth of assets and hundreds of bhori of gold jewellery.

The Election Commission has published the affidavits of the contestants.

A review shows that candidates nominated by the BNP-led alliance are ahead in terms of education, income, and assets.

However, they also face a higher number of cases. The BNP's list includes both highly educated professionals and self-educated candidates, with some candidates who earn crores annually through jobs.

All candidates from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance are set to enter parliament for the first time, and they have little to no cases against them.

Nipun Roy Chowdhury

According to her affidavit, BNP nominee Nipun Roy Chowdhury owns 502 bhori of gold and other precious metal jewellery, while her husband Amitabh Roy holds another 100 bhori, bringing their combined total to 602 bhori. The acquisition value is unspecified, with the items reported as gifts.

The 39-year-old lawyer was acquitted, discharged, or received final reports in 23 cases in 2025, and serves as general secretary of Dhaka District BNP.

Her annual income comes mainly from her profession and investments Tk26 lakh from legal work and about Tk4.5 lakh from shares and bank deposits. She holds fixed deposits worth Tk1.13 crore, while two cars in her name were bought for Tk1.11 crore. Her total movable assets are valued at around Tk10.5 crore, with her husband's exceeding Tk3.5 crore.

Under immovable assets, she reported a flat bought for Tk85.2 lakh, though its location was not specified. She also has liabilities of Tk1.19 crore in bank loans and personal debts. The couple holds Tk76 lakh in cash, including Tk13.29 lakh in her name.

Selima Rahman

BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman, 85, holds an MA degree. Eight cases against her were withdrawn last year by executive order.

Her annual income exceeds Tk36 lakh, sourced from house rent, shares and bank deposits, while her assets were declared at Tk6.88 in the 2025-26 income tax return.

Rehana Akter Ranu

BNP candidate Rehana Akter Ranu, 57, holds an MA degree and reported movable assets worth nearly Tk3 crore. She was acquitted in her latest case in 2024.

Sanjida Islam Tulee

Sanjida Islam, 43, holds a BSc in Textile Engineering. She reported an annual income of Tk5.85 lakh and assets worth Tk2.13 crore.

Shamima Ara Begum Swapna

Shamima Ara Begum Swapna, 66, has a postgraduate degree. She reported an income of Tk2.6 crore, including around Tk2.4 crore as capital gains from land sales. Her total assets stand at Tk4 crore.

Nurunnisa Siddiqua

Jamaat candidate Nurunnisa Siddiqua, 67, a retired teacher, has an annual income of Tk1.61 lakh and assets worth around Tk30 lakh.

Mahmuda Alam (Mitu)

Mahmuda Alam, nominated by the National Citizen Party (NCP), has movable assets worth Tk31.28 lakh and owns 30 bhori of gold jewellery. She has no immovable assets such as land, house, or car.

Her annual income is Tk3 lakh from her medical profession. According to her affidavit, she holds Tk28.4 lakh in cash, Tk1.35 lakh in banks and financial institutions, and electronic goods worth Tk1.53 lakh.

Sultana Jesmin

Independent alliance candidate Sultana Jesmin, 34, is a graduate. Five cases against her were withdrawn last year.

She reported an annual income of Tk5.5 lakh and assets worth Tk28.5 lakh.

The process to finalise members for the reserved women's seats in the 13th parliament is still pending.

Of the 50 seats, nomination papers of 36 candidates from the BNP-led alliance, 12 from the Jamaat-led alliance, and one from the independent alliance have been declared valid.

If no withdrawals occur by 29 April, they will be elected unopposed.

The scrutiny of nomination papers for 50 candidates took place on Wednesday and Thursday. One nomination was rejected by the returning officer, but it may be reinstated upon appeal.