The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has nominated only one woman leader from Chattogram for a reserved seat in parliament, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among local leaders and activists. The final list, announced on Monday, included Barrister Shakila Farzana, daughter of late MP Wahidul Alam, as the sole nominee from the region. Many senior and long-serving women leaders who led protests and endured imprisonment were overlooked, which local members described as political discrimination against Chattogram.

Party insiders said 36 women from the district had collected nomination forms, including several senior figures from the city and northern and southern districts. Local leaders alleged that internal conflicts among central leaders influenced the final selection, leaving many deserving candidates excluded. Some viewed the decision as a failure of the central leadership to recognize sacrifices made by grassroots activists.

Chattogram-9 MP Abu Sufian stated that the district deserved at least three to four reserved seats given its political importance and contribution to the party’s movements. He urged the BNP high command to reconsider the list before the oath-taking ceremony to restore morale among dedicated members.