Staff Reporter:
Candidates nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have submitted their nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.
The candidates submitted their nomination papers in a festive atmosphere at the Election Commission (EC) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, from this morning until noon.
During the same period, candidates nominated by the 11-party alliance also submitted their nomination papers.
Talking to reporters after submitting her nomination paper in the afternoon, BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Selima Rahman said the party’s nomination process is well thought out, with strong coordination between experienced leaders and newcomers.
Expressing hope that this integrated team would play a strong and effective role in Parliament, she said the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, formed after a long 17 years, would work towards democratic transition and making Bangladesh prosperous.
Selima Rahman also expressed her sincere gratitude to BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Submitting her nomination papers, Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, member of the convening committee of Dhaka South City BNP and a nominated candidate, said: “Our party is being run through a complete-ly democratic process. I am very happy that almost all of the 36 candidates nominated by BNP are lead-ers who have emerged from a long movement and struggle on the streets.”
Thanking BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, she further said: “We will continue to work in unity under his leadership as he moves forward with implementing the electoral agenda and strengthening govern-ance.”
Of the 50 reserved women’s seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, 36 will go to BNP, 13 to the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, and one to an independent Member of Parliament.
According to the Election Commission schedule, yesterday was the last day for filing nominations.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 22–23, appeals may be filed on April 26, and those appeals will be disposed of on April 27–28. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, while symbols will be allocated on April 30. Voting will be held on May 12.
EC officials said that if political parties nominate an equal number of candidates against the seats, no election will be required for the reserved women’s seats. So far, there is no record of an election being held for these seats.
