Dhaka: A total of 54 nomination papers have been submitted for 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, surpassing the available number of seats by four.
According to United News of Bangladesh, 53 nomination papers were submitted within the stipulated deadline of 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Of these, 36 candidates were nominated by the BNP-led alliance, 13 by the Jamaat-led alliance, and one from an independent alliance. Additionally, three candidates-Shamma Akter, Mosammat Mehrunnessa, and Mahbuba Rahman-submitted nomination papers independently, outside any party or alliance. Their eligibility will be reviewed during the scrutiny process.
Another nomination paper was filed by NCP Joint Convener Nusrat Tabassum after the deadline, as NCP’s nominated candidate Monira Sharmin may face a legal challenge regarding the validity of her candidacy. The Election Commission (EC) announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seats on April 8, with April 21 set as the deadline for nomination submissions.
Returning Officer Md Moin Uddin Khan confirmed that 36 nomination papers were received from the BNP and its allies, 13 from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, and one from an independent alliance candidate, Sultana Jesmin. The submitted nomination papers will undergo scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals against the scrutiny decisions can be filed with the commission on April 26, while disposal of appeals is scheduled for April 27 and 28. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is April 29.
Ordinarily, elections for reserved seats do not require voting as political parties and alliances typically nominate candidates equal to the number of seats. However, this time, the number of nomination papers exceeded the available seats, creating an unusual scenario.
The returning officer noted that the late submission by Nusrat Tabassum would not be considered, and the nominations submitted outside alliances would also be examined for legal validity during scrutiny.
Earlier in the day, a team from the Jamaat-led alliance, led by Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, visited the EC Secretariat during the submission of nomination papers by their candidates. Hamidur Rahman Azad expressed hope that their alliance candidates would be elected unopposed based on the submitted list.
BNP nominees also submitted their nomination papers separately, many accompanied by party leaders and activists. After the submission, BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman stated that the party’s nominated candidates for the reserved seats would contribute to strengthening democracy. She highlighted the mix of experienced and new faces among the candidates and expressed hope that they would play an effective role in Parliament.
Questions have arisen regarding the candidacy of NCP nominee Monira Sharmin, who submitted her nomination under the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance. Allegations suggest she applied for nomination just five months after retiring from a government job, while the law mandates a three-year gap before contesting parliamentary elections following retirement from a government position.
Sources indicated that anticipating the possible cancellation of her candidacy under this provision, the party arranged for Nusrat Tabassum to submit a nomination as an alternative, although it was filed after the deadline. EC sources noted that if any nomination is cancelled, the respective seat will be opened for all parties, and a fresh schedule will be announced. Political parties and alliances will then have the opportunity to nominate candidates anew, and the member for that seat will be elected through votes of MPs.