STAFF CORRESPONDENT

A large crowd gathered at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan yesterday on the final day of selling nomination forms for women in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

From early morning, the narrow lanes around the office were packed with aspirants, many accompanied by family members and local leaders. By afternoon, the crowd spilled onto adjoining roads, with slogans being chanted.

Party leaders said that as of 7:00pm yesterday, nearly 1,300 nomination forms had been sold over the three-day period. Sales were scheduled to continue until 10:00pm.

Inside the office premises, long queues formed in front of designated counters, while party activists tried to maintain order. Small groups of aspirants were seen discussing their prospects, comparing political credentials, and seeking last-minute endorsements from senior leaders.

Party sources said women leaders from the BNP’s central executive committee and Mohila Dal, as well as younger leaders with links to former Chhatra Dal, are in the race.

Alongside party leaders, aspirants from a wide range of professions, including teachers, lawyers and artists, also bought forms.

Many submitted profiles outlining their activism, loyalty, and organisational experience, while others sought backing from senior leaders.

Talking to reporters, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party will prioritise candidates based on “qualifications, social acceptability, education, and contribution to democratic movements”, along with those who had faced repression during past political struggles.

According to party sources, aspirants must pay Tk 2,000

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