Nominations for 50 Reserved Women’s Seats Close Today

The deadline for filing nomination papers for the 50 reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament expires this afternoon (Tuesday, April 21). Under the Election Commission (EC) schedule, political alliances must finalize their submissions by today's deadline.

Key Dates in the Election Roadmap April 22–23 Scrutiny of nomination papers. April 26 Deadline for filing appeals against scrutiny decisions. April 27–28 Resolution of appeals. April 29 Final date for withdrawal of candidacy. April 30 Allocation of electoral symbols. May 12 Date of voting.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that reserved seats are allocated to political parties in proportion to their performance in the general election. Based on this formula, the BNP-led alliance is set to receive 36 seats, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13 seats, and independent candidates one seat.

Election officials noted that since parties typically nominate only the number of candidates allocated to them, most are expected to be elected unopposed.

As of this morning, 431 aspirants have collected nomination forms from the EC. While five candidates—including Nipun Roy Chowdhury and Sanjida Islam Tuli—have already formally submitted their papers, the major alliances have finalized their lists. The BNP has cleared 36 candidates, while the Jamaat alliance has prepared its 13 nominees.