The Election Commission (EC) has announced that elections for approximately 4,300 Union Parishads (UPs) across the country will be held in five phases, commencing on January 21 and concluding by May 27, 2026.
Addressing journalists following the 13th Commission meeting on Monday (October 12, 2026), Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah stated that unlike previous cycles featuring seven phases, the upcoming polls will be streamlined into five phases, with all voting scheduled for Thursdays. The first phase is set for January 21, adjusted to accommodate the World Ijtema Akheri Munajat on January 17 following law enforcement recommendations. Subsequent phases will take place on February 4 (second phase), April 29 (third phase), May 13 (fourth phase), and May 27 (fifth and final phase), prioritizing overdue councils and district headquarters.
Detailing other administrative decisions, Commissioner Sanaullah noted that the commission has resolved to dispose of unused Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while retaining necessary legal evidence for anti-corruption and audit investigations. Furthermore, steps have been taken to resume full-capacity smart card printing at the NID personalization center by mid-November. To address delays in removing deceased citizens from voter rolls, the EC is piloting a streamlined, multi-source verification process to replace the cumbersome Form 12 requirement. Reassuring the public regarding poll integrity, Sanaullah expressed full confidence that stakeholders will maintain peaceful electoral traditions, mirroring the success of recent national elections.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
