FROM PAGE 12

Aspirants were asked why they were seeking nomination, what contributions they had made to the party and their constituencies, and what roles they had played in political movements over the years.

They were also asked about their priorities if elected, their previous experience as public representatives, whether they would support the party’s final nominee, and what they would do if denied nomination.

Senior BNP leaders said the party was trying to maintain a balance between long-serving and loyal women leaders and younger aspirants who could bring fresh energy and ideas to politics.

They said that Tarique, during the interviews, instructed the party’s aspirants to accept the BNP’s final decision and avoid any action that could undermine party discipline.

Among senior BNP figures under discussion are Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas and Mohila Dal General Secretary Sultana Ahmed, who was a reserved-seat lawmaker in 2001.

Others being considered include former reserved-seat lawmakers Rehana Akter, Bilkis Islam, Rasheda Begum Hira, Newaz Halima Arly and Helen Zerin Khan. BNP central committee member Shirin Sultana, a former reserved-seat lawmaker in 1996, is also among the aspirants, along with Dhaka district BNP General Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and singer Baby Naznin and Mayer Daak Coordinator Sanjida Islam Tulee are also being discussed, according to party insiders.

Among leaders linked to the 2008 reserved seats, BNP Assistant Secretary for Local Government Affairs Shammi Akter and Assistant Secretary for Human Rights Affairs Syeda Ashifa Ashrafi Papia are also under consideration.

Meanwhile, Jamaat leaders said the party’s women’s central committee has already finalised a list of nominees, prioritising those considered capable of playing an effective role in parliament and meeting public expectations.

Party sources said Jamaat was also giving importance to women leaders from areas where it failed to win general seats, so that those regions could still have representation in parliament. It has also decided not to nominate family members of its current lawmakers.

The list has already been submitted to Jamaat’s executive committee for approval, they added.

Among those being discussed are Nurunnisa Siddika, Mardia Mumtaz, Supreme Court lawyer and Jamaat women’s wing Assistant Secretary Sabikun Nahar Munni, Sylhet Jamaat leader and former professor Mahfuza Siddika, Chattogram leader Marina Sultana, Bogura representative and former upazila vice-chairman Sajeda Samad, women’s wing Assistant Secretary Marzia Begum and member Nazmunnisa Nilu.

Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, assistant secretary general and chief of Jamaat’s central publicity and media department, said the party would officially announce its nominees tomorrow.

According to the Election Commission, there are 50 women’s reserved seats in parliament. The commission estimates that the BNP-led alliance may secure 36 of those seats, the Jamaat-led alliance 13, and independents one.

The EC has set April 21 as the deadline for nomination submissions, and April 22 and 23 for scrutiny, while voting is scheduled for May 12.