More than two dozen aspirants from BNP are now actively lobbying for nomination to the reserved seats for women in Parliament.
The ruling party won 28 out of 29 parliamentary seats in the Rajshahi division. As a result, many women leaders of BNP from eight districts are seeking nomination. They are keeping in touch with the party leadership. The aspirants include both senior and younger leaders, with some staying in Dhaka.
Several names are being discussed, including Mahamuda Habiba, Advocate Shamshad Begum Mitali, and Jahan Panna.
Mahamuda Habiba, who joined BNP politics in 2005, is a founding member of G-9, the party’s think tank. She is now a member of the party’s media cell and joint general secretary of the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal. In the last national election, she sought BNP nomination for the Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur) seat.
Another discussed name from Rajshahi is Advocate Mitali, the current president of the Rajshahi District Mohila Dal. During the Awami League government, she provided legal support to party leaders and activists. She was very active during political movements and may be considered by party decision-makers for her work and dedication.
Panna, a BNP reserved-seat MP in the 8th Parliament, is also in the discussion. She is now vice-president of the central committee of Mohila Dal and a member of the BNP National Executive Committee.
In Chapainawabganj district, several names are under discussion, including Syeda Asifa Ashrafi Papiya, Dilsad Tahmina Begum Mimi, Masuda Afroze Haque Suchi, Saima Khatun, and Shahnaz Khatun.
Papiya is well known across the country. She was elected vice-president of Tapasi Rabeya Hall at Rajshahi University twice and also served as general secretary of Chapainawabganj District BNP. She is now assistant human rights affairs secretary of the BNP Executive Committee.
Shahnaz Khatun is younger than many others. She is the education affairs secretary of the district Mohila Dal and a former vice-chairman of Bholahat Upazila Parishad. She has been involved in Chhatra Dal politics since her student life.
In Natore district, several names are also being discussed: Sabina Yasmin Chhobi, wife of current MP Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu and a member of the district BNP; Mahua Noor Kochi, wife of former Baraigram Upazila chairman Sanaullah Noor Babu; Sanjida Khatun, joint general secretary of the central Chhatra Dal; and Daisy Ahmed, president of Singra Upazila Mohila Dal.
In Naogaon, one name is mainly being discussed — Samina Parveen Poly, acting president of the district Mohila Dal.
In Joypurhat, acting president of the district Mohila Dal Parveen Banu Ruli and general secretary Jaheda Kamal have expressed interest in becoming reserved-seat MPs.
The highest number of potential candidates is being discussed in Bogura. They include Advocate Shahazadi Laila Arjuman Banu, acting president of the district Mohila Dal; Nazma Akter, general secretary; Suraiya Jarin Rony, joint general secretary; Advocate Rahima Khatun Mary, organising secretary; former general secretary Nihar Sultana Tithi; and Kohinur Akter, president of Shajahanpur Upazila Mohila Dal.
In Pabna, the names under discussion include Purnima Islam, Khairun Nahar Khanam Miru, Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, and Dr Shahana Banu.
In Sirajganj, three names are being discussed: Advocate Simki Imam Khan, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee; Kanak Chapa, a singer and joint convener of the central committee of JASAS; and Momina Ali, wife of former MP of Sirajganj-4 M Akbar Ali.
