Dhaka:The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the upcoming union parishad (UP) elections will be conducted in five phases, with the first phase set for January 21 next year.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the election schedule was determined during a meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah addressed the media following the meeting, detailing the dates for each phase of the elections.
The second phase of voting is planned for February 4, the third phase for April 29, the fourth phase for May 13, and the final phase for May 27. Approximately 4,300 union parishads are either completing their five-year terms or are due for elections, thereby qualifying for the upcoming polls under existing laws. All voting days have been scheduled on Thursdays.
District election officers are tasked with announcing the election schedules for each union parishad. Sanaullah explained that these announcements typically occur around six weeks prior to the voting day, with a gap of 38 to 45 days between the schedule announcement and the actual polling.
Reflecting on the last national election, Sanaullah noted its peaceful conduct and expressed hope that this positive trend would continue with the cooperation of all stakeholders. Initially, the EC had proposed a seven-phase election starting November 12. However, this plan was adjusted following recommendations from relevant ministries and departments, who advised against holding elections during school examinations in November and December. The EC decided to delay the elections for further discussions and planning.