Local government elections likely to start in September-October: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said that local government elections across the country are likely to begin in phases from September or October this year, after the monsoon season ends.

He said the government aims to complete elections to union parishads, municipalities, upazila parishads, district councils and city corporations within the next year.

The minister made the statement while responding to a starred question from ruling party MP Md Mostafizur Rahman Babul of the Jamalpur-3 constituency in Parliament.

“Subject to the availability of funds, the elections will be conducted in phases. Union parishad elections are likely to be held first, followed by polls to other local government institutions,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He added that elections to all 13 city corporations, including the newly established Bogura City Corporation, are also expected to be completed within the same period.

According to the minister, work is underway to prepare the financial framework for the elections. He noted that conducting local government polls requires significant funding and that the necessary provisions have been included in the current national budget.

He further said that a letter has already been sent to the Election Commission seeking an assessment of the detailed expenditure required for the elections.

Mirza Fakhrul added that the Local Government Division, the Election Commission and the Finance Ministry will begin coordinated efforts after the start of the new fiscal year to finalise the election roadmap and schedule.