First phase of UP polls on November 12

The Election Commission (EC) is planning to hold the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections in seven phases. As part of the plan, a preliminary decision has been made to commence the first phase on November 12.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah disclosed the information to reporters on Monday, following a preparatory meeting on the Union Parishad elections held at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He said, “A preparatory meeting regarding the local government Union Parishad elections had taken place. There are a total of 4,580 Union Parishads in the country, and elections for them will be held in seven phases.”

The first phase is scheduled for November 12, the second for December 13, and the third for December 30. 

Preliminary plans have been made to hold the fourth phase on January 17 of next year, the fifth on February 4, the sixth on April 22, and the seventh on May 27.

The Election Commissioner mentioned that the local government election process might kick off with the first phase covering Union Parishads across 80 upazilas. These decisions have been reached on a preliminary basis.

He further added that discussions regarding the local government elections would be held with all registered political parties, likely during the third phase.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud stated that unless the laws concerning local government elections are amended within this period, the commission will organise the elections in accordance with existing laws. 

“In other words, even if the legal amendment process is not finalised, the Election Commission will not deviate from holding the elections according to the scheduled timeline; the elections will be conducted in compliance with current laws and regulations,” he added.