Reserved Women’s Seat: Khaleda Khanam Emerges as Top Choice in Bhola

As political discussions intensify across the country ahead of the 13th National Parliament election, attention in Bhola is also turning to nominations for reserved women’s seats. Local women leaders are calling for candidates with strong public service records, grassroots connections, and organizational experience.

Among the potential candidates, BNP leader and academician Principal Khaleda Khanam has emerged as a prominent contender. She has already submitted her nomination papers.

Khaleda Khanam is widely known within party circles as a committed and experienced organizer. During politically turbulent periods, including the One-Eleven era and subsequent crackdowns, she remained active in mobilizing grassroots women activists. She currently serves as senior vice-president of the district Women’s Party and president of the Borhanuddin Upazila unit.

Several other aspirants from Bhola have also collected BNP nomination forms. They include District Women’s Party President Advocate Shajeda Akhtar, Borhanuddin Upazila Women’s Party Secretary Ishrat Jahan Boni, and lawyer Nurjahan Begum.

Bhola, the country’s only island district, faces unique geographical challenges that affect women’s access to education and opportunities. Khaleda Khanam is considered among the few leaders consistently working on women’s education, rights, and social development in the area.

Born in 1960 in Kuralia village of Borhanuddin, she completed her education in Dhaka before returning to Bhola. She later married BNP leader Fazlur Rahman Bachchu Mollah and pursued a career in education.

Khaleda Khanam served as principal of Shaheed Zia Adarsh Girls School and College in Bhola for nearly three decades before retiring in 2019. She is also associated with several social, educational, and cultural organizations, including the Red Crescent Society. Currently, she serves as district president of the Zia Shishu Kishore Organization.

In a statement, Khaleda Khanam said she has been involved in politics since her student life and has gained leadership experience through various organizational roles. She expressed confidence that, if nominated, she would fulfill her responsibilities effectively.