Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) is set to commence hearings on objections and suggestions related to the re-demarcation of parliamentary constituencies for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections starting August 24. These hearings will be conducted at the commission’s headquarters located in the capital’s Agargaon and are scheduled to run until August 27.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the hearings will be presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, along with the participation of four election commissioners and the EC secretary. The EC notification, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mahbub Alam Shah, specifies that individuals who have submitted written objections or recommendations within the designated timeframe will have the opportunity to present their cases during these hearings.
The notification underscores that the Election Commission will address the objections and suggestions received concerning the delimitation of area-based constituencies through a public hearing process. It is emphasized that no new objections will be accepted, and any submissions made after the August 10 deadline will not be considered.
Participation in the hearings is limited to the original objector, their designated advisor, or a duly authorized legal counsel. Attendees are required to carry a valid national identity card and necessary documents to the venue. The hearing schedule is fixed and cannot be modified.
According to the schedule, hearings for the Cumilla region will take place on August 24, followed by Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram regions on August 25. The Dhaka region’s hearings are set for August 26, while Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Sylhet regions will have their hearings on August 27.
The commission has received a total of 1,760 objections and suggestions concerning the boundaries of 83 constituencies before the deadline. Following the hearings, the EC’s legal wing will issue final decisions to the respective parties, facilitating the announcement of the final constituency boundaries in preparation for the national polls.