EC plans union parishad polls in seven phases from 12 Nov
The Election Commission (EC) plans to hold elections to the country’s 4,580 union parishads in 7 phases.
The Election Commission (EC) plans to hold union parishad (UP) elections across the country in seven phases, with the first phase planned for 12 November 2026 and the final phase for 27 May 2027.
The commission aims to complete most UP elections within the first five phases. Elections delayed by litigation, boundary-related issues or other complications will be held in the sixth and seventh phases.
Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah disclosed the plan while briefing journalists today (14 September) after a preparatory meeting on UP elections at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
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According to the preliminary plan, the first phase will be held on 12 November, followed by 13 December, 30 December, 17 January, 4 February, 22 April, and 27 May.
EC sources said elections need to be held soon in around 4,272 of the country's 4,580 Union Parishads. Under the law, UP elections must be held within 180 days before the end of a parishad's term.
The commission is therefore planning the polls in phases based on the expiry of the terms.
Sanaullah said the preliminary plan takes into account annual examinations, religious festivals and the overall situation. However, he stressed that the dates are not final.
An inter-ministerial meeting on 17 September will review the overall election plan, after which the phases and other details will be finalised.
First phase to cover 80 upazilas in 63 districts
The first phase is planned to cover UPs in around 80 upazilas across 63 of the country's 64 districts, excluding Thakurgaon, where a by-election is scheduled. The district will be included in the second phase.
The commission has also set some criteria for selecting upazilas for the first phase. District headquarters will generally receive priority, while different arrangements will apply in districts with large numbers of upazilas.
Chattogram and Cumilla will each have three upazilas in the first phase, while districts with 10 or more upazilas will have two.
EC officials said the phased approach takes into account polling centres, law and order, administrative capacity, election materials and the workload of officials and staff. Holding the polls in phases is intended to ensure smoother management of the election process.
Law-and-order meeting on 21 September
The EC has begun preparations for the UP elections. An inter-ministerial meeting will be held on 17 September, followed by a law-and-order meeting on 21 September.
The election plan is expected to become clearer after the meetings, following which the commission will take a final decision and formally announce the schedule.
The EC will also hold a three-day dialogue with registered political parties on 23-25 September to discuss arrangements for a well-organised UP election.
Sanaullah said the commission is currently preparing for the elections under the existing legal framework. Any necessary amendments may be considered later, but preparations are proceeding under the current legislation.
