BNP to follow 'one family, one candidate' like national polls
According to party insiders, nearly a hundred women leaders are currently in the race
The BNP may apply "one family, one candidate" policy in electing its women members of parliament for the reserved seats. The party previously adopted a similar principle during the general election to encourage leadership development and prevent dynastic dominance.
If implemented strictly, several familiar faces could be left out, creating opportunities for new entrants. Families that already have MPs may be excluded from consideration for reserved seats.
Meanwhile, women leaders of the BNP have started rushing to secure nominations for the reserved women's seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. According to party insiders, nearly a hundred women leaders are currently in the race.
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Over recent days, the BNP's central office at Naya Paltan and its political office in Gulshan have seen a surge in the presence of women leaders. From senior politicians to young activists, who emerged from years of street movements and political struggle, are lobbying party policymakers.
BNP policymakers have hinted that nominations will not be based solely on recommendations. Grassroots acceptability, organisational competence, loyalty to the party, a clean public image, and active roles in anti-authoritarian movements will be considered during the final decision.
After securing over two-third seats in the national election, the BNP is now stressing the nomination process for the reserved seats as it plans to evaluate contributions made by women in professional and social sectors.
The party previously adopted a "one family, one candidate" policy during the general election to encourage leadership development and prevent dynastic dominance.
Party insiders said that the same principle may apply to the reserved seats. If implemented strictly, several familiar faces could be left out, creating opportunities for new entrants. Families that already have MPs may be excluded from consideration for reserved seats.
Among those discussed are Afroza Abbas, president of Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal and spouse of BNP leader Mirza Abbas; Hasina Ahmed, wife of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Mohila Dal General Secretary Sultana Ahmed; BNP's media cell member Shammi Akhter; Mohila Dal Vice President Nazmun Nahar Baby; former MPs Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papia and Nilufar Chowdhury Moni; BNP's executive committee members Rasheda Begum Hira and Rehena Akhter Ranu; Dhaka district BNP General Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury; and several others from various wings of the party.
In addition to career politicians, several cultural figures aligned with the BNP are also in the spotlight. Renowned singers Baby Naznin, Rizia Parveen, and Kanak Chapa, along with popular film actress Moushumi, are reportedly seeking nomination.
It may be mentioned that six women were directly elected from the party in the national election. However, a total of 85 women contested the election.
On 13 February, the Election Commission published the official gazette of the 297 elected members of the 13th national parliament. As mandated by the Constitution, 50 seats in the parliament are reserved for women. Under the Representation of the People Order, these seats are allocated proportionally based on each party's parliamentary strength. Having secured 209 seats alone, the BNP may get 35 of the 50 reserved seats.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud announced on 19 February that discussions are underway to hold the election for the reserved seats during Ramadan, and the process will be completed before Eid.
