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The Election Commission (EC) is contemplating a major reshuffle in the parliamentary constituency boundaries ahead of the next national election, focusing on logical demands in this regard.
The commission has already received more than 400 applications seeking changes in at least 66 parliamentary seat boundaries in different districts. Most of the applications sought the restoration of the 2001 demarcation of the parliamentary constituencies.
In the demarcation process, the EC will consider the applications that contain logical demands.
Following the promulgation of the National Parliament Constituency Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 a few days ago, the Election Commission started the process of drafting the demarcation of 300 parliamentary constituencies, following the existing laws.
The EC is giving importance to the applications submitted by the people, the latest census data, and administrative and geographical integrity in the demarcation process.
As of May 19, the EC had received at least 416 applications from more than 60 constituencies seeking changes in their boundaries.
Most of the applications were submitted by BNP leaders and activists, including several former MPs and local government representatives.
Nearly 90 per cent of the applications were submitted seeking the restoration of the 2001 constituency boundaries.
The highest number—103 applications—was submitted for changes in the Pirojpur-2 constituency (comprising Kaukhali Upazila, Bhandaria Upazila, and Necharabad Upazila), followed by 92 for the Cumilla-10 constituency (comprising Sadar Dakkhin Upazila, Lalmai Upazila, and Nangalkot Upazila).
Additionally, 38 applications were submitted demanding an increase in the number of parliamentary seats by one in the Manikganj district, and nine applications were submitted demanding an additional seat in Chandpur.
Since the EC has decided to take into account "logical" applications, all the applications are currently under scrutiny.
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker on Monday told UNB that they are considering the applications submitted for the delimitation of constituencies.
“We are reviewing the logic behind the applications (submitted for delimitation). The logical aspects of their applications are being considered. We have no personal motives,” he said.
In response to a question about whether the EC will return to the 2001 boundaries, he said, "If the arguments of those who have applied are valid, we will consider them. However, it is not as though the boundaries will be changed in all seats (as per their demands). There are many seats where the existing boundaries are logical."
The Election Commissioner also said they will consider the logical applications and all other aspects, like census data and administrative integrity, during the demarcation of the parliamentary seats.
EC officials said the number of constituencies in city areas—particularly Dhaka and Chattogram—is likely to decline, while the number of seats in rural areas may increase.
The Election Commission will publish the draft delimitation of 300 constituencies in a gazette to receive objections.
After disposing of the objections, the Commission will publish the final delimitation of 300 constituencies in another gazette before the next national election.
EC officials said since the change in the boundary of one constituency affects neighboring seats, this time the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies will witness a major change after 2008.
The boundaries of more than 100 constituencies were changed in 2008, but no major change was made in the delimitation of constituencies before the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections.
Some 50 constituencies witnessed changes before the 2014 election, 25 parliamentary seats before the 2018 election, and 12 constituencies before the 2024 election.
However, former local government secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan said if the Election Commission brings changes to the parliamentary constituencies without negotiations among the government, the judiciary, and the EC to avoid legal complications, it could create risks of delaying the next national election.
“Though it is routine work for the EC, many petitions may be filed with the higher court challenging the EC’s decisions over the delimitation of constituencies, which would create risks of delaying the election,” he told UNB.
The former secretary said the EC should carry out this job through an agreement to avoid legal complexities in this regard.
The 66 constituencies include Satkhira-3 and 4, Rangpur-1, Barguna-1 and 2, Pirojpur-1 and 2, Kishoreganj-2, Manikganj-1, 2 and 3, Munshiganj-1, 2 and 3, Dhaka-1, 2, 3, 7, and 12, Gazipur-3 and 5, Narayanganj-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Rajbari-1 and 2, Faridpur-4, Shariatpur-2, Sylhet-3, Brahmanbaria-2 and 3, Cumilla-1, 2, 6, 9 and 10, Chandpur-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Feni-2 and 3, Noakhali-1, 2, 3 and 4, Chattogram-4, 5, 7 and 8, Gaibandha-3, Sirajganj-2, 5 and 6, Jashore-2, Jhalokathi-2, and Barishal-3.