The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has finalized its list of candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. Among the 36 nominees announced, Selima Rahman, a member of the party’s National Standing Committee, has drawn the most attention. The announcement was made on April 20, 2026, at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The nomination process followed interviews held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, chaired by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

According to party sources and political observers cited in the report, Selima Rahman was given special consideration due to her long political experience, organizational skills, and clean image. She previously served as State Minister for Cultural Affairs from 2001 to 2006 and currently holds the position of Vice Chairman in the central BNP. Hailing from Bahechar village in Dehergati Union of Babuganj, Barishal, she is the daughter of late Justice Abdul Jabbar Khan, a former Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly.

Political analysts believe her nomination sends a positive signal for BNP and could strengthen the party’s position in the upcoming parliament once the list is submitted to the Election Commission for formal procedures.