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Bangladesh Sets May 12 Election for 50 Reserved Women's Parliament Seats

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has announced that voting for the 50 reserved women's seats in the national parliament will be held on May 12. The electoral schedule sets April 21 as the deadline for nomination papers, with the final candidate list confirmed by April 30. The seats are allocated proportionally to parties based on their general election results, granting 36 to the BNP, 13 to Jamaat-e-Islami's bloc, and one for an independent. Prospective candidates have begun collecting nomination forms, with one highlighting the necessity of reserved seats for women's representation and debate in Parliament.

Key Points: Bangladesh Election for Reserved Women's Seats on May 12

  • Election scheduled for May 12
  • Nomination deadline April 21
  • 50 seats allocated by party strength
  • BNP gets 36 of the reserved seats
2 min read

Bangladesh to hold election for 50 reserved women's seats in parliament on May 12

Bangladesh Election Commission announces May 12 poll for 50 reserved women's parliamentary seats. Nomination deadline is April 21.

"We need to speak out. We want debate in the Parliament so that our rights are given to us. - Zareen Delawar"

Dhaka, April 10

The election for the reserved women's seats in the Jatiya Sangshad, the National Parliament of Bangladesh, will be held on May 12, the Election Commission of Bangladesh said.

The schedule was unveiled on Wednesday at a briefing held at the Election Commission building in Agargaon by its Senior Secretary, Akhtar Ahmed.

According to the announced timetable, the deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, while scrutiny will take place on April 22 and 23.

The Bangladeshi parliament has a total of 350 seats. Of these, 300 seats are elected directly by the votes of the general public, while 50 reserved seats for women are allocated in proportion to the number of seats won by political parties.

According to this proportion, 36 seats have been allocated to the BNP, 13 to Jamaat-e-Islami and its allied parties, and one seat has been reserved for independent candidates.

The EC secretary further stated that appeals may be lodged on April 26, with hearings scheduled for April 27 and 28.

The final date for withdrawal of candidacy is April 29, and election symbols will be allocated on April 30.

After the Election Commission announced the details of the reserved women's seats election, the BNP began distributing nomination papers to female candidates at its central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, from Friday.

"I want a nomination from the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) because I think it is a progressive party. It is progressive because our honourable Prime Minister is progressive and he wants progressive people to be in the parliament," Zareen Delawar, a doctor, told ANI, after collecting a nomination form from the BNP office.

"Women in Bangladesh mean a lot because if we don't have reserved seats for women, where will women go and talk? We cannot always talk on the street. We cannot always have a human chain. We need to speak out. We want debate in the Parliament so that our rights are given to us. Because you cannot forget, we are the architects of the entire civilisation. Women are the architects, so our position is here," she added.

In the February 12 elections, BNP secured a commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament, winning over 151 seats.

Jamaat-e-Islami, previously an ally of the BNP, contested as a rival and emerged as the second-largest party, establishing itself as a key opposition force.

According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting to see the seat allocation. BNP getting 36 out of 50 seats shows their dominance. The doctor's quote about needing a platform to speak in Parliament, not just on the street, really resonates. True for women everywhere.
A
Aman W
While reserved seats are good, I hope the women elected are truly empowered to represent their constituents and not just party loyalists. The real test is their impact on policy, not just their presence.
S
Sarah B
As a neighbour, it's heartening to see democratic processes moving forward in Bangladesh. Stable and inclusive governance there is good for the entire region. Wishing the candidates, especially the women, all the best.
V
Vikram M
The schedule seems tight! Deadline for nominations on the 21st and election on May 12th. Hope all parties have capable women candidates ready. Bangladesh has made strides in women's development, this is another important chapter.
K
Kavya N
"Women are the architects of civilisation" – what a powerful statement by Dr. Zareen. It's high time this is recognized in parliaments across South Asia. More power to our sisters in Bangladesh!

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