Women make up small share of candidates in Rangpur division

Of the 33 parliamentary constituencies in Rangpur division, only eight have female candidates in the upcoming 13th national election, highlighting the continued inadequate representation of women in electoral politics.
According to information from returning officers’ offices across the division’s eight districts, the eight female candidates represent a mix of political affiliations, including BNP rebels, Jatiya Party, Muslim League, Bangladesh Socialist Party (BSD–Marxist), and independents. Besides, no female candidates are contesting in Panchagarh, Kurigram, Nilphamari, or Lalmonirhat.
In Rangpur district, female candidates are contesting in two of the six seats. BNP rebel independent candidate Rita Rahman, 65, is running in Rangpur-3 (Sadar–partial City Corporation) constituency with the Sunflower symbol. “I do not see myself as a female candidate, but simply as a candidate,” she said. “Women are politically deprived, and participating directly in elections is a brave step toward women’s empowerment.”
Also contesting in Rangpur-4 (Kaunia–Pirgachha) is Pragati Barman Toma, 33, of the BSD (Marxist), using the Scissors symbol. She said, “Elections pose additional challenges for women. Even women are often reluctant to vote for female candidates. My goal is to encourage women to come forward.”
Independent candidate Takia Jahan Chowdhury is contesting from Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) with the Sunflower symbol. A former Awami League activist, she unsuccessfully sought party nomination at various stages before entering the race as an independent. She said the electoral field is dominated by BNP-Jamaat candidates and their supporters, while financial constraints and manpower shortages have hampered her campaign.
In Thakurgaon, female candidates are contesting in two of the three seats. Jatiya Party presidium member Nurun Nahar Begum is contesting from Thakurgaon-2 (Baliadangi–Haripur and two unions of Ranishankail) with the Plough symbol. She was a reserved-seat MP in the 12th Parliament. “I entered politics with the aim of public service,” she said, while expressing concerns about the uneven electoral environment.
Independent candidate Asha Moni is contesting in Thakurgaon-3 (Ranishankail–Pirganj) with the Football symbol. A resident of Ranishankail upazila, she previously contested district council and parliamentary elections. “Winning is not my only goal,” she said. “My challenge is to encourage women through direct participation in elections.”
In Gaibandha, women are contesting in two of the five seats. Independent candidate Salma Akhter is running in Gaibandha-1 (Sundarganj) with the Urn symbol. She was elected as an Upazila Women's Vice Chairman in 2016. “Despite the challenges, we are in the field to ensure women’s rights,” she said.
BSD (Marxist) candidate Rahela Khatun is contesting in Gaibandha-5 (Phulchhari–Saghat) with the Scissors symbol. “Major parties speak about women’s empowerment but fail to practice it internally,” she said, adding that her party prioritises women candidates in practice, not just in rhetoric.
In Dinajpur, only one of the six seats has a female candidate. Muslim League nominee Laila Tul Rim is contesting in Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency. She said limited resources and lack of visibility have restricted her campaign, adding that greater participation of women by major parties would have strengthened women’s political empowerment.
Election Commission data showed that women contested in only two seats in the Rangpur division during the 10th National Parliament election and three seats in the 11th election. In the 12th Parliament election, 23 women submitted nomination papers in the division, but after scrutiny and withdrawals, only 15 remained in the race.
Nasima Amin, Rangpur district general secretary Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN), said political parties have failed to ensure meaningful participation of women. “Even the promised 5% nomination of women candidates under the July Charter was not implemented,” she said, stressing that structural reforms within political parties are essential to ensure women’s empowerment.