Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) today commenced hearings regarding objections to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies in preparation for the upcoming 13th national elections. The proceedings were held at the auditorium of Nirbachan Bhaban in the Agargaon area of the city, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin presiding over the session. The hearing was attended by election commissioners and the EC secretary.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, at the onset of the hearing, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized the impartial and professional approach of the Commission. He stated, "We have tried to work impartially with professionalism. As per the law, there have been scopes to raise objections to the draft boundaries. We have taken your applications into consideration. Logical issues now will be presented in the hearings." The initial day of hearings focused on objections from the Cumilla region.
The EC's schedule indicated that hearings on Brahmanbaria constituency-2, 3, and 5 took place from 12 noon to 1:30 pm. This was followed by hearings on Comilla-6, 9, 10, and 11 constituencies from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, and Noakhali-1, 2, 4, and 5, Chandpur-2 and 3, Feni-3, Lakshmipur-2 and 3 constituencies from 3:30 to 5 pm.
Further hearings are scheduled for August 25, focusing on the Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram regions. During this day, the Commission will address claims from Satkhira-3,4, Jashore-3,6, Bagerhat-1,2 and 3 between 10 am and 12:30 pm, and Jhalokati-1, Barguna-1,2, Pirojpur-1,2,3, Chattogram-3,5,8,19, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban constituencies from 2:30 to 5 pm.
On August 26, the Dhaka region will be the focus, with hearings for Manikganj-1,2,3, Narsingdi-4,5, Narayanganj-3,4,5 scheduled from 10 am to 12:30 pm, followed by Dhaka-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,14,15,16,18, and 19 constituencies from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
The final day of hearings on August 27 will address claims and objections from the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Sylhet regions. Scheduled hearings include Panchagarh-1,2, Rangpur-1, Kurigram-4, Sirajganj-2,5,6, Pabna-1 from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and Tangail-6, Jamalpur-2, Kishoreganj-1, Sylhet-1, Faridpur-1,4, Madaripur-2,3, Shariatpur-2 and 3 constituencies from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
Upon conclusion of the hearings, the EC's legal wing will announce its verdict. As of August 10, the Commission has received approximately 1,760 claims and objections concerning the boundaries of 83 constituencies, which will be resolved before the final constituency boundaries are announced.