The sale of nomination forms began at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan in the capital on Friday. The event was officially inaugurated by the party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 10, 2026 (BSS) -The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today began selling nomination forms for women's reserved seats of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

The sale commenced at 11:00 am through a programme at the party's central office at Nayapaltan area in the capital. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi formally inaugurated the process at the event.

Collection of nomination forms will continue until April 12. Each form is priced at Taka 2,000, while a deposit of Tk 50,000 must be submitted along with the application.

Addressing the programme, Rizvi highlighted the party's long political movement and reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic practices through a free and fair electoral process. 

He underscored the importance of maintaining vibrant parliamentary debate as a key pillar of democracy.

He also referred to past movements, alleging repression, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during previous political situation.

Highlighting the contributions of women leaders seeking nomination, Rizvi said leaders from across the country have come forward, many of whom endured significant hardship, suffering and struggles over the past 16-17 years.

Earlier, the Election Commission announced the election schedule, fixing May 12 for voting. 

The deadline for submission of nomination papers is April 21, with scrutiny scheduled for April 22-23. 

Appeals against the scrutiny can be filed on April 26, with disposal scheduled for April 27-28. 

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29, while symbols will be allocated on April 30.

There are 50 reserved seats for women in the 350-member parliament. Of the reserved seats, 36 are allocated for the BNP-led alliance, 13 for the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance and one for independent candidates.