Rumeen Farhana Breaks Silence on Missing BNP Nomination

BNP's senior lawyer and former MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana, absent from the party's preliminary list of 237 candidates for the 13th national election, described her nomination as "on hold" due to alliance negotiations, assuring changes are likely.

Speaking on a private TV talk show Monday night, Farhana said, "My nomination is currently 'on hold.' Discussions with long-standing allies have left 63 seats unannounced. More parties are joining the coalition."

She added, "The big league has more aspirants. In many constituencies, 10–12 candidates compete, making final selection tough. But it won't drag on."

On protests by activists denied nominations, she said, "Emotions are natural in a large party. Disappointment is expected, but it will resolve soon."

Farhana noted BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman held multiple meetings with aspirants to explain the process. "The list is preliminary. Changes are possible—someone may be dropped, another added. Some seats are delayed due to Election Commission disputes, like Bagerhat-2, where a confirmed candidate awaits clearance."

On women's representation, she said, "If BNP increases female nominations to 5 percent, more women could join the final list."

The list, announced by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, includes 83 first-timers and 10 women but excludes several seniors like Rumeen, fueling internal debate.