Upazila elections may start before Ramadan

The upcoming Upazila Parishad elections may begin before Ramadan, said the Election Commission’s Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath on Tuesday.

However, he clarified that the Commission has not yet made any decision about the upazila elections, while speaking to reporters at the Election Commission Secretariat, local media reported.

In case the Commission decides to begin holding the upazila elections before Ramadan, the first phase may be held before Ramadan and the other phases after that since there are few precedents of holding elections during Ramadan, Mr Ashok said.

Elections must be conducted within 180 days of the expiration of the upazilas' terms, and as such, all upazilas are now eligible for elections, he said.

Replying to a reporter's query, he said that while they haven't yet received any official communication from the local government ministry about the Cumilla City Corporation, they have received a list of 485 upazilas. The Election Commission Secretariat is prepared for the election and will announce the schedule once the Commission approves it.

‘Election schedule for reserved women’s seats in parliament next week’

The additional secretary also mentioned that the schedule for reserved women's seats in parliament might be announced next week, following approval from the Commission.

The election for these seats is expected in February, he said.

Asked how reserved seats will be allotted with 62 independent candidates in this parliament, Mr Ashok said it will be a political decision.

Again asked how seats will be allotted in case independents do not form any alliance with any party or by themselves, he said that in that case, the Commission will take steps under the circumstances.