BNP begins interviewing aspirants for women's reserved seats

The BNP has begun interviewing aspirants seeking party nomination for women's reserved seats in the 13th Parliamentary Election.

On the first day of the two-day process, interviews were held today (17 April) with aspirants from five divisions.

According to the Election Commission, the party and its allies are expected to get 36 of the 50 reserved seats for women, while Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies will get 13, and independent candidates one seat.

According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is 21 April, while scrutiny will take place on 22 and 23 April. Appeals against scrutiny decisions can be filed on 26 April and will be disposed of on 27 and 28 April. Election symbols will be allotted on 30 April, and voting will be held on 12 May.

During the interviews, aspirants were asked what they would do for the country and its people if nominated, as well as their plans and vision. They were also asked what they would do if not nominated and why the party should choose them. In response, the women leaders highlighted their past roles in the party, contributions to political movements and struggles, and their future plans for nation-building.

Aspirants whose responses to these questions met the party chairman's expectations are likely to receive the party's nomination, according to BNP parliamentary board members and nomination aspirants. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was seen taking brief notes while listening to the candidates.

The interviews began at around 3:30pm yesterday at BNP's Gulshan office. On the first day, aspirants from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal and Faridpur divisions were interviewed. Aspirants from Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed today.

Umm-e Kulsum, an aspirant from Pirganj upazila in Thakurgaon, said she was asked why the party should nominate her.

"I have been active on the streets since 1991. I spoke about the repression and harassment I faced and how I remained active during difficult times," she said.

Kulsum added that she had campaigned during the 2018 election while pregnant and was later hospitalised after being attacked.

"Even while I was in hospital, cases were filed against me. Still, I will accept whoever the party nominates," she said.

Before the interviews began, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, "We have reached this stage of democracy through a difficult and challenging period. To further strengthen and make democracy effective, it must be taken forward. In this struggle, the contributions of women leaders over the past 15 to 17 years of political movements are highly significant and will be duly evaluated."

"During this time, many women leaders faced false cases, were injured in attacks and had their homes vandalised, while some even saw their children targeted due to their political stance. These prolonged incidents of repression will certainly be taken into consideration," he added.

"The ability to speak effectively in parliament, participate in lawmaking, as well as educational qualifications and knowledge, will also be considered in selecting candidates," Rizvi said.