Local government election dates may be finalised at Thursday's meeting

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said the date for holding local government elections may be finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting next Thursday. He said this to the media on Tuesday, September 15.

Earlier, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam had said there had been no discussion between the government and the Election Commission regarding local government elections. He also said the government was not even aware of the possible schedule published by the commission.

However, the Election Commission has already made a preliminary plan for holding Union Parishad elections. On Monday, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said a plan had been made to hold the polls in seven phases. According to the preliminary schedule, the first phase is being considered for November 12.

According to the EC's preliminary plan, the second phase is scheduled for December 13 and the third phase for December 30. The likely dates for the fourth phase are January 17 next year, the fifth phase February 4, and the sixth phase April 22.

A preliminary plan is in place to hold the seventh and final phase of the Union Parishad elections on May 27 next year. However, the Election Commission has said these dates are not yet final and may change as needed.

The inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday is expected to discuss overall preparations for holding the elections, administrative matters, the law and order situation and other related issues. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar said an official decision on the final schedule for the local government elections may come after that meeting.