Press Release
Dhaka, 30 April 2026: An analysis of the affidavits of candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026 shows that nearly two-thirds of the nominated candidates are highly educated and millionaires. Among the nominees, around 65 percent are millionaires and more than 63 percent possess postgraduate or higher educational qualifications. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) presented this picture through an analysis of the affidavit information of 49 nominated candidates submitted to the Election Commission.
Educational Qualifications: Ahead of General Seats
Candidates for reserved women’s seats are significantly ahead of directly elected Members of Parliament in terms of educational qualifications. In these seats, 63.3 percent of candidates hold postgraduate or higher degrees, whereas among elected MPs this rate is 50.7 percent. Overall, including directly elected and reserved women’s seat members, 52.63 percent of all members hold postgraduate or higher degrees. Among the reserved women’s seat candidates, 27 percent are graduates and 4.1 percent have passed higher secondary education. The rate of self-educated candidates is 4.1 percent and secondary school graduates account for 2.1 percent.
Wealthy and Multimillionaire Candidates
According to the analysis, a large portion of candidates for reserved seats are wealthy. Out of 49 candidates, 32 (65.31%) are multi-millionaires based on the total value of movable and immovable assets. Among them, separately, 25 are multimillionaires based on movable assets and 14 based on immovable assets. Party-wise analysis shows that among BNP’s 36 candidates, 26 (72.22%) are multimillionaires, and among Jamaat-e-Islami’s 9 candidates, 5 (56%) are multimillionaires. In addition, the sole candidate from JAGPA is also a multi-millionaire. Candidates with an average annual income above BDT 1 million account for 38.78 percent (19 people); among directly elected general seat MPs, this rate is 67.9 percent. However, overall in the 13th Parliamentary Election, including directly elected and reserved women’s seat members, the total number of mulitmillionaires is 269, which is 77.3 percent.
Professions: Lawyers at the Top
According to the affidavit information, the highest number of women candidates in reserved seats are lawyers—26.5 percent, which is more than double compared to directly elected general seat Members of Parliament (11%). The second highest profession is business (22.5%). In addition, 12.2 percent are homemakers, 10.2 percent are teachers, and 8.2 percent are directly involved in politics. Doctors account for 4.1 percent and other professionals also make up 4.1 percent. Analysis shows that overall, including directly elected and reserved seat members, 55.17 percent of all members are businesspersons.
Assets and Debt
Analysis of the total assets of multimillionaire candidates in reserved seats shows that their total immovable assets exceeding one crore taka amount to BDT 66 crore and total movable assets amount to BDT 78 crore. However, when immovable and movable assets are added separately, the total amount of assets stands at BDT 152 crore. Notably, at least three candidates for women’s reserved seats have more than 100 bhori of gold ornaments either in their own names or jointly with their spouses—among them, one candidate alone has 502 bhori of gold ornaments in her own name. Alongside this vast personal wealth, the analysis also highlights debt burdens among reserved seat candidates, showing that 20.41 percent of candidates are in some form of debt or liability. Party-wise, the rate of indebtedness is equal for BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates at 22.22 percent. However, compared to reserved seat candidates (20.41%), directly elected MPs (50.84%) have 2.49 times higher indebtedness.
Age and Party Distribution
The average age of candidates for reserved seats is 52.17 years. By age group, the highest number of candidates falls within the 45–54 age range (16 people or 32.74%). This is followed by 9 candidates aged 35–44 and 12 candidates aged 55–65. Among BNP’s 36 candidates, 13 are aged 45–54, 10 are aged 55–65, and 5 are above 65 years. On the other hand, among Jamaat’s 9 candidates, 1 is aged 35–44, 3 are aged 45–54, 2 are aged 55–65, and 3 are above 65 years. BNP has two candidates aged between 25–34, while Jamaat has none in this age group. However, overall in the 13th Parliamentary Election, including directly elected and reserved women’s seat members, the average age is 58.5 years.
In terms of political party distribution of reserved women’s seats, among the 50 reserved seats, BNP has the highest number of nominated candidates with 36. Jamaat-e-Islami is in second place with 9 candidates. In addition, JAGPA, NCP, Khelafat Majlish, and one independent candidate have one nominee each. This time, 20.4 percent of women candidates belong to Islamic parties and 79.6 percent belong to independents and other parties.
Analysis of affidavit information shows that among reserved women’s seat candidates, 5 candidates have fewer buildings or flats than their husbands. Similarly, 7 candidates have less land and 14 candidates have fewer movable assets than their husbands. Since most women candidates for reserved seats possess more assets than their husbands, considering Bangladesh’s demographic and asset acquisition context, this creates an opportunity for special attention. TIB believes that while the participation of highly educated women and professionals including lawyers in reserved women’s seats is positive, like general seats, the influence of wealth and the dominance of certain professions are also noticeable here, the impact of which may be far-reaching.
More detailed information regarding the affidavit data of reserved women’s seat candidates can be found in the relevant dashboard.
Dashboard link . Through this link, comparative pictures of all candidates participating in the 13th National Parliamentary Election by overall, constituency, and party basis can also be viewed.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
