BNP Nominates Nadia Pathan Papon for Reserved Women’s Seat, Sparks Online Debate

Nadia Pathan Papon, a native of Bijoynagar, has been nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for a reserved women’s seat in the National Parliament, drawing attention on social media following a congratulatory Facebook post by a local Awami League leader.

On Monday, BNP’s central office published a list of 36 nominees for reserved women’s seats, with Nadia ranked 32nd on the list.

Nadia is the daughter of the late Anwar Hossain and Syeda Nakhlua Akter, a former district council member and former president of the Bijoynagar women’s wing of the Awami League.

She completed her secondary education at Daudpur High School, higher secondary at Kazi Mohammad Shafiqul Islam College, and pursued higher studies at Badrunnessa Government Women’s College.

Sources indicate that Nadia has been involved in politics since 2000, beginning as a member of BNP’s student wing in Chandura Union. During her time at Badrunnessa Government Women’s College, she served as general secretary of the student wing and later held a central leadership role. She is currently a member of BNP’s Dhaka South unit and was actively involved in anti-government movements during the previous Awami League administration, during which she reportedly faced repeated police actions and attacks.

Commenting on the development, local Awami League leader Jahangir Mridha wrote on Facebook that politics can take unexpected turns. He highlighted Nakhlua Akter’s long career within the Awami League, while noting that her daughter has now been nominated as a BNP candidate for parliament. He also congratulated Nadia, saying that Bijoynagar residents are fortunate to have multiple parliamentary representatives, regardless of party affiliation.

Many locals have also extended their congratulations, rising above political divisions.

Responding to the social media discussions, Nadia told the media that during the past 17 years under the Awami League government, she actively participated in street protests and faced police baton charges, tear gas, and numerous cases. She said that her nomination was made after due consideration by party leadership and emphasized that her priority now is to strengthen Tarique Rahman’s leadership and work toward implementing the party’s 31-point agenda.