The Election Commission of Bangladesh has begun preparations to hold elections for the 50 reserved women's seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, aiming to complete the process before Eid-ul-Fitr, officials said. The vote will take place within the constitutionally mandated 90-day timeframe, with seat allocation determined in proportion to each party's representation in parliament.
The Parliament Secretariat has submitted a list of 296 voters' names, as required by law, clearing the way for the Election Commission to proceed. Although there had been discussions about increasing the number of reserved seats from 50 to 100, under the current Constitution, the election will be held for all 50 seats.
With its parliamentary majority, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to secure 35-36 seats. On Monday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir outlined nomination priorities: candidates must adhere to the party's ideology, maintain grassroots engagement, and demonstrate personal sacrifice. Party insiders said the selection will emphasize experience, activism, and youth. Names reportedly in contention include Helen Jerin Khan (Madaripur), Bilkis Jahan Shirin (Barisal), Rehana Akhter Ranu (Feni), Kanak Chapa (Sirajganj), Nilofar Chowdhury Moni (Jamalpur), Baby Nazneen (Nilphamari), Rasheda Begum Hira (Chandpur), Sultana Ahmed (Dhaka), Shammi Akhter (Habiganj), and Newaz Halima Early (Magura), among others.
The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is projected to secure 13 reserved seats, with Jamaat itself likely receiving 11. Selection criteria include competence, organisational responsibility, and sacrifices during the previous "fascist era" and the July movement. Potential nominees under discussion include Prof Nurunnisa Siddika, Engineer Mardia Mumtaz, Dr Amina Begum Rahman, Shahan Ara Begum, and Barrister Sabikun Nahar Munni, along with Saeeda Rumman, Khandaker Ayesha Khatun, Dr Habiba Chowdhury Sweet, Kazi Maria Islam Beby, Rabeya Khanam, Dr Shirin Akter Runa, Tanha Azmi, Nargis Khan, Kaniz Fatema, Selina Akter, and Ayesha Siddika Parveen.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), having won six seats in the general election, is entitled to nominate one candidate. Under the 11-party alliance, however, the coalition holds 13 seats, of which two are expected to go to NCP women leaders. NCP media coordinator Mahbub Alam confirmed that joint convener Monira Sharmin and southern region joint chief organizer Mahmuda Alam (Mitu) are being considered.
Seven independent candidates who won national polls will also claim one seat, with another reserved seat allocated to minor parties collectively; these names are yet to be determined.
Under the law, only elected MPs vote for the reserved women's seats. Parties or alliances may nominate candidates proportionally to their general seats. If only one candidate is nominated per seat, no vote is required. Each candidate must receive the backing of at least six MPs to secure a reserved seat.
