A total of 53 candidates from various parties, alliances, and independent backgrounds have submitted their nomination papers for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament.
Md Moin Uddin Khan, the Returning Officer and Joint Secretary of the Election Commission (EC), briefed journalists at the Election Building on Tuesday following the expiration of the submission deadline.
He confirmed that the scheduled time for filing nominations concluded at 4pm.
According to the returning officer, 36 nomination papers were submitted by the BNP and its alliance, while 13 were filed by the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance.
Furthermore, one candidate, Sultana Jasmine, submitted her application representing an independent alliance. In addition to the alliance-backed candidates, three women Shammi Akhter, Mosammat Mehrun Nesa, and Mahbuba Rahman filed nomination papers independently without the backing of any specific party or alliance.
The returning officer noted that further details regarding their applications would be provided following the verification process.
As per the announced schedule, the scrutiny of nomination papers is set to take place on 22 and 23 April. The process will be conducted from 2pm to 4pm on 22 April, and from 10am to 4pm on 23 April.
Aggrieved individuals may file appeals with the Election Commission between 9am and 4pm on 26 April. The Commission is scheduled to resolve these appeals on 27 and 28 April, starting from 11am.
The returning officer further detailed the subsequent stages of the electoral timeline, stating that the final date for the withdrawal of candidature is 29 April.
Symbols will be allocated to the contesting candidates on 30 April. Following the completion of all formalities, voting for the reserved women’s seats will be held on 12 May.
