Home
+
Published : 21 Apr 2026, 12:29 AM
The BNP’s announcement of 36 candidates for women’s reserved seats in parliament has drawn controversy, as some nominations, including those from Brahmanbaria and Gopalganj, triggered discontent among overlooked aspirants and local party workers who questioned their political backgrounds.
The list, finalised and unveiled at the party’s central office in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, immediately drew criticism, with some BNP leaders and activists describing a number of selections as “controversial figures” with past affiliations to rival political organisations.
In Brahmanbaria, attention has centred on Nadia Pathan Papon, nominated for a reserved seat.
Daughter of Anwar Hossain and Syeda Nakhlu Akhter of Chandura village in Bijoynagar Upazila, Nadia completed her SSC and HSC locally before pursuing higher education at Begum Badrunnessa Government Girls College in Dhaka.
She is now a member of the convening committee of the BNP’s Dhaka South city unit.
However, questions have emerged over her family’s political background.
Her mother, Syeda Nakhlu Akhter, is locally known as being associated with the Awami League.
She previously served as vice-president of the Brahmanbaria district Krishak League and is now the president of the Upazila unit Mohila Awami League, according to local sources.
Nakhlu confirmed her past affiliation but sought to distance her daughter from it, saying: “My daughter has nothing to do with my politics.”
She also said she no longer holds her former position, though Jahangir Mridha, general secretary of the Upazila Awami League, posted on Facebook that she still occupies the post.
Nadia could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
In Gopalganj, BNP leaders and activists raised objections over Suborna Sikder Thakur, another nominee for the May 12 election, alleging that she had previously held a position within the Awami League.
Local Awami League leaders also voiced strong objections, accusing her of misrepresentation.
Suborna, a schoolteacher from a prominent Hindu family in Kashiani Upazila, serves as executive president of a central committee of a Matua community platform.
She acknowledged her inclusion in an Awami League committee announced in January 2023 but claimed she was unaware of it.
“Honestly, I had no consent to it… I never saw that list, nor did I even participate in any meeting, procession or party activity,” she said, adding she never formally resigned as she had not accepted the position.
She also claimed past association with BNP student politics during her studies in Khulna and said she possessed “some evidence” of her involvement.
Her nomination has since fuelled debate on social media, with Awami League leaders alleging denial of facts for political gain.
Within the BNP, however, several leaders expressed frustration that long-time party workers were overlooked in favour of individuals with contested political histories.
