The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to kickstart the country’s local government election cycle with polls in the three major city corporations: Dhaka North, Dhaka South, and Chattogram. The Local Government Division has formally requested the EC to initiate the election process for these municipalities.
According to EC sources, following the completion of elections in these three cities, subsequent polls will be organised in the remaining nine city corporations, alongside elections for district councils, municipal corporations, and upazila councils.
The need for elections arose after the resignation of mayors, chairpersons, and councillors following the government’s collapse on 5 August 2024. In the wake of this political transition, the caretaker administration removed the elected representatives of 12 city corporations, 330 municipalities, 497 upazila councils, and 64 district councils. Currently, all these local government bodies—except for Union Parishads—are being administered by appointed administrators. However, Shahadat Hossain continues to serve as mayor of Chattogram City Corporation by court order.
EC officials noted that discussions about organising local elections began immediately after the caretaker government assumed office. At that time, the commission was requested to prioritise the three major city corporations. However, due to objections from the BNP and other political parties, the government initially did not approve elections before Parliament.
Under existing law, city corporation elections must be held within 180 days prior to the expiry of the mayoral term. The key timelines are as follows:
| City Corporation | First Meeting Date | Term Completion Date | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka South | 2 June 2020 | 1 June 2025 | Term completed; election due |
| Dhaka North | 3 June 2020 | 2 June 2025 | Term completed; election due |
| Chattogram | 23 February 2021 | 22 February 2026 | Term nearing completion; election urgent |
Given these deadlines, the EC considers elections in these three cities the most urgent. Preparations are already underway, including updating voter lists, finalising constituency boundaries, verifying candidate eligibility, and appointing electoral officers. Chattogram, in particular, may require a separate emergency plan due to time constraints.
Senior Secretary of the EC, Akhtar Ahmed, told the media that the commission’s core responsibility is to organise elections and that it remains perpetually ready to conduct polls. Upon receiving government directives, the EC will immediately commence the electoral process for city corporations and other local government bodies.
EC Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud added that elections will be held sequentially after Eid, ensuring the smooth completion of the local government election cycle.