Potential candidates from BNP have begun positioning themselves for reserved parliamentary seats for women, as attention shifts from the general election to the composition of the new parliament.
Under the constitutional framework, 50 seats in the 300-member parliament are reserved for women and allocated to parties in proportion to their performance in the general election. These members are elected indirectly by newly elected MPs.
With the Election Commission expected to announce the election schedule soon, internal lobbying and negotiations are already under way.
BNP leaders intensify lobbying
Among political parties, BNP’s potential nominees appear to be the most active, reflecting the party’s strong showing in the recent election.
Many women leaders, including members of the party’s women’s wing, are seeking nomination. Some spouses of newly elected ministers, state ministers and MPs are also reportedly interested in securing seats in parliament through the reserved quota.
However, the party has yet to finalise its nomination criteria.
According to a senior party source, there is growing sentiment within the BNP leadership that reserved seats should not be allocated to family members of those already holding elected or ministerial positions.
Instead, some party leaders argue that priority should be given to women connected to long-serving or loyal party members who were denied nominations in the general election.
Sources said that, much like the inclusion of younger figures in the cabinet, the party leadership may also give importance to younger women leaders when allocating reserved seats in parliament.
They said younger women activists had played a visible and active role in the recent anti-government movement, alongside senior leaders of the party’s women’s wing. Their contributions, both organisational and political, have strengthened their position within the party.
As a result, the party high command is now understood to be taking their role into account as it weighs nominations for the reserved seats, according to those familiar with the discussions
Previously, women leaders would present their demands directly to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Now, many are seeking meetings with party chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. However, several leaders said they have been unable to secure appointments under current circumstances.
Seat allocation based on election results EC has published the official gazette for 297 parliamentary seats following the 13th general election held on 12 February.
According to the results, BNP won 209 seats, while its allied parties secured three additional seats. Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, and its ally National Citizen Party (NCP) secured six seats. Independent candidates won seven seats.
Based on these figures, the BNP-led alliance is expected to secure 35 reserved women’s seats, while the Jamaat-led bloc could receive 13 seats.
Other parties won smaller numbers of seats, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis (two seats), Islami Andolan Bangladesh (one), Gonodhikar Parishad (one), Bangladesh Jatiya Party (one), Gonosamhati Andolon (one), and another seat by Khelafat Majlis.
Under existing rules, a party or alliance must have at least six MPs to qualify for one reserved women’s seat. Independent MPs may also secure representation if they join a parliamentary bloc.
Pending results could affect final allocation
The final allocation could change slightly depending on the outcome of several unresolved constituencies.
Gazette publication for the Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 constituencies has been suspended following a High Court order.
Voting in Sherpur-3 was postponed after the death of a candidate.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has vacated his Bogura-6 seat, triggering a by-election.
Officials say the outcome of these four constituencies could potentially increase the number of reserved seats available to one alliance.
How the reserved seat system works
Under the constitution, reserved seats must be filled within 90 days of the publication of the general election gazette, meaning EC is expected to complete the process by mid-May.
Political parties submit their nominated candidates to EC based on their proportional allocation.
If only one candidate is nominated per seat, no vote is required. However, if multiple candidates are nominated, MPs vote to determine the winners.
The parliamentary secretariat provides EC with the list of sworn-in MPs within three working days, after which parties have 21 working days to submit their nominations.
Questions over representation and accountability
The reserved seat system has long been debated within the country’s political landscape.
While it ensures women’s representation in parliament, critics argue that the process is controlled primarily by party leadership rather than direct public participation.
Some BNP women leaders expressed concern that deserving grassroots figures could be overlooked.
“There are many qualified women leaders across the country who could be elected directly,” said one party leader. “But often, nominations go to individuals with connections to influential figures.”
A senior BNP standing committee member, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the party expected to receive 35 reserved seats.
“There are many capable women leaders in our party,” he said. “Once the Election Commission announces the schedule, the nomination process will begin and it will become clearer who will be selected.”
