Polls in 2 Pabna constituencies on February 12: Appellate Division

The Appellate Division has ruled that elections in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 will be held on February 12, stating that there is no legal obstacle to conducting the polls under the Election Commission’s revised constituency boundaries.

The court ordered that the election be conducted in line with the EC gazette issued on September 4, following the redrawing of boundaries. Under the new delimitation, Santhia Upazila will comprise Pabna-1, while Sujanagar and Bera upazilas will form Pabna-2.

Previously, the High Court had declared illegal an EC gazette that transferred four unions and a municipality of Bera Upazila from Pabna-1 to Pabna-2. However, the Appellate Division on Thursday (January 15) stayed the High Court verdict after an appeal was filed.

The ruling clears the way for the elections to be held on schedule according to the EC’s gazetted boundaries.

The Election Commission said preparations are ongoing in line with the court’s order, and voting will take place on the scheduled date.