From the streets of Chhatra Dal to Parliament, The rise of Nadia Pathan Papon

M. Badal Khandaker. District Correspondent, Brahmanbaria. From a Chhatra Dal activist in Chandura village of Bijoy Nagar to a Member of Parliament. Nadia Pathan Papon has received recognition for 25 years of political struggle. Nominated by BNP, she is now a member of the 13th National Parliament from Reserved Women’s Seat-32. Nadia Pathan Papon is a daughter of Chandura village in Bijoy Nagar Upazila, Brahmanbaria. Her father is late Anwar Hossain. Her mother, Syeda Nakhlú Akhter, was a former member of the District Council. She began her education at local Daudpur High School. After passing SSC from there, she completed HSC from Kazi Mohammad Shafiqul Islam College. Later she pursued higher education at the historic Badrunnesa Government Women’s College in Dhaka. She completed her Honors and Masters in Economics. After that, she completed a Masters in Information Science and Library Management from Dhaka University. She also completed LLB from Bangladesh Law College. She entered politics during her student life. In 2000, she began political activities as a member of Chandura Union Chhatra Dal. While studying at Badrunnesa College, she served as General Secretary of the college branch Chhatra Dal. Later she also worked as former Assistant Organizing Secretary of the central committee of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and as a member of BNP Dhaka Metropolitan South. During the tenure of the previous Awami League government, Nadia was active in every movement on the streets. During this time she was attacked by police and Chhatra League and faced multiple cases. Currently she serves as a member of BNP Dhaka Metropolitan South and as a member of the party’s central committee. On 20 April 2026, her name appeared at number 32 on the list of 36 candidates for reserved women’s seats published from BNP’s central office. After her name appeared on the list signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, there was an outpouring of joy among BNP leaders and activists in Brahmanbaria and Bijoy Nagar. After receiving the nomination, Nadia Pathan Papon said, "I have been involved with BNP and Chhatra Dal politics for a long time and was active on the streets during the party’s difficult times. I was confident about getting the nomination because of my role during the party’s crisis. I have received affection and guidance from BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia." Her husband, Md. Jahangir Hossain, works as News Editor at Desh Television. The newly elected Member of Parliament said her main goal is to work for the welfare of backward women and children in society. She wants to play a vocal role in Parliament to remove various social barriers facing women. Local leaders believe that this story of rising from a Chhatra Dal activist to Member of Parliament will serve as an inspiration for young politicians in Bijoy Nagar and across Brahmanbaria.