DHAKA — The Election Commission (EC) has decided to hold Union Parishad (UP) elections across the country in seven phases, with the first phase scheduled for November 12 this year. Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah disclosed the decision while speaking to journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon on Monday.
“Elections need to be held swiftly in around 4,272 UPs out of a total of 4,580 UPs as there is a legal obligation to hold elections within the 180-day period before the expiry of their terms,” he said. He said the preliminary election schedule had been prepared taking into consideration students’ annual examinations and major religious festivals.
According to the schedule, voting in the first phase will be held on November 12, the second phase on December 13 and the third phase on December 30. The preliminary dates for the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh phases have been set for January 17, February 4, April 22 and May 27, respectively, in 2027. EC Sanaullah said efforts would be made to complete elections in most Union Parishads within the first five phases.
Giving details of the first phase, he said voting would be held in Union Parishads across around 80 upazilas in 63 districts, excluding Thakurgaon, where a by-election is currently underway. District Sadar upazilas will receive priority in the first phase. Three upazilas in districts with a large number of upazilas, such as Chattogram and Cumilla, and two upazilas in districts having 10 or more upazilas will also be included in the first phase.
As part of the preparations, an inter-ministerial meeting is scheduled for September 17, followed by a law-and-order meeting on September 21. The Commission will also hold a three-day dialogue with all registered political parties on September 23, 24 and 25 to discuss preparations for a well-organised election similar to the national parliamentary election.
Two representatives from each registered political party will participate in the discussions. Asked about amendments to electoral laws, Election Commissioner Sanaullah said the elections would initially be conducted under the existing laws.
