Female voters decisive in Khulna; BNP's 'Family Card' draws attention
KHULNA, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - Female voters are emerging as a decisive factor in the upcoming national election in Khulna's six parliamentary constituencies, although the only female candidate in the region has struggled to mount strong competition against male contenders.
Among the 37 male candidates contesting the six seats, Jatiya Party nominee Shamim Ara Parveen is the lone female candidate, running from Khulna-5 (Dumuria-Phultala).
Election Commission data show a total of 2,101,335 registered voters across Khulna's constituencies, including 1,054,874 women and 1,046,432 men, giving female voters a slight majority of 8,442.
BNP has fielded candidates in all six constituencies, Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh in five each, Jatiya Party in four, CPB in three, and Khelafat Majlis in one. Several smaller parties and independents are contesting single seats.
The proposed 'Family Card' initiative by BNP has sparked widespread discussion and received positive responses from rural women, potentially influencing electoral calculations.
While many women voters remain cautious about revealing their choices, the BNP's promises to introduce a 'Family Card' alongside ‘Farmer’s Card’ have generated noticeable interest, particularly in rural households.
Sonia Begum, a widow from Sabuj Palli in Batiyaghata, said she currently receives an old-age allowance and believes the family card would be highly beneficial. A cancer patient, she added that she intends to vote in the hope of receiving the card.
Sazib Bhuiyan, a former worker of Khulishpur Jute Mill and voter from Khulna-3, said his family has been struggling since the mill's closure. "Now we are hearing promises to reopen the mill and provide family cards. That is why I will go to the polling centre," he said.
Women voters from Khulna-2, 4, and 5 constituencies also told BSS that the family card issue remains a priority for them, although they did not disclose which party they would vote for.
BNP leader and Khulna-2 MP Nazrul Islam Manju said party chairman Tarique Rahman has prioritized women's employment in the campaign.
"Alongside the family card, issues like women's dignity, education, and development of healthcare and agriculture sectors are being highlighted," he said, expressing confidence that a large section of women voters would support BNP candidates.