BNP leads in nominating women candidates, Mahdi says, slams parties with no female nominees

Claiming leadership in women's political participation, BNP Mahdi Amin has said the party is fielding 10 female candidates for the upcoming election, the highest among all parties, while criticising other parties for failing to nominate even a single woman.

Two hundred thirty-seven of the BNP's candidates for the upcoming election have completed at least a bachelor's degree, Mahdi Amin, a member of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's advisory council, said during a press conference at the BNP Election Steering Committee office in Gulshan today (26 January), mentioning that the party is fielding candidates in 292 seats.

Eighty-five of the candidates have prior experience serving as members of parliament, he said, adding that 19 BNP nominees have previously held responsibilities in various ministries.

He noted that the candidates' experience in governance and their public engagement have positioned the BNP as a party of the masses.

"BNP nominees also stand out in terms of educational qualifications, with 237 candidates having completed at least a graduation," said Mahdi, spokesperson for the BNP Election Steering Committee.

Mahdi said the BNP has nominated the highest number of female candidates – 10 in total – among political parties for the upcoming election, calling it a reflection of the party's commitment to women's empowerment.

He added that the party is pledged to increasing this number in the future.

Criticising other parties, he said it is disappointing that some parties have not nominated even a single woman candidate, despite women constituting half of the country's population.

Referring to the previous regime, Mahdi claimed the BNP was the most affected by enforced disappearances, killings, repression, attacks and legal harassment.

He mentioned that three BNP candidates – Salahuddin Ahmed, Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon and Hummam Quader Chowdhury – were previously victims of enforced disappearance.

He added that two more candidates come from families of enforced disappearance victims: Tahsin Rushdir Luna, wife of former MP Ilias Ali, and Sanjida Islam Tuli, sister of Sajedul Islam Sumon and coordinator of the organisation Mayer Daak.

Mahdi also alleged that candidates and supporters of a particular political party are misusing religious sentiments in election campaigning. He said the BNP has noticed several such posts and videos circulating on social media.

Calling such actions undesirable, he warned that attempts to seek votes through religious misinterpretation undermine the transparency, neutrality and fairness of the electoral environment.

He said the use of religion to influence voters constitutes a clear violation of Article 77(1)(gha) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, and is punishable as an offence of "undue influence." He urged the authorities to take swift and effective action against such practices.