Bangladesh’s ruling BNP-led alliance is set to receive 36 reserved women’s seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, and Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam says the nominations will go primarily to women leaders who have proven themselves through long political struggle and activism.
Speaking amid intense speculation over who will be nominated, Nurul Islam said the alliance would give preference to “tested and dedicated” women politicians who have long been active in the movement and who are capable of making meaningful contributions in parliament. He added that the parliamentary leadership would work to ensure representation from all sections.
The Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the reserved-seat polls, with voting set for May 12. According to the timetable, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23.
Appeals against rejected nominations will be heard on April 27 and 28, following the start of the appeal process on April 26. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, and election symbols will be allotted on April 30.
The upcoming vote will determine the women members of parliament chosen indirectly on the basis of the seat distribution in the general election.