The Election Commission has been asked to begin preparations for the Dhaka and Chattogram city corporation elections

The government has instructed the Election Commission to initiate preparations for elections in three major city corporations after the conclusion of the parliamentary polls.

The Local Government Division has sent letters to the commission requesting it to take the necessary steps to organise elections for Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation and Chattogram City Corporation. Officials at the EC’s election management wing confirmed receipt of the letters and said the issue would be placed before the commission for discussion and further action.

In separate communications, the Local Government Division secretary detailed the tenure of the city corporations. Dhaka South City Corporation held its first meeting on 2 June 2020 and completed its five-year term on 1 June last year. Dhaka North City Corporation convened its first meeting on 3 June 2020 and completed its tenure on 2 June 2025. Chattogram City Corporation held its inaugural meeting on 23 February 2021 and is set to complete its term on 22 February this year.

According to the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, a city corporation’s five-year tenure is calculated from the date of its first meeting, and elections must be held within 180 days prior to the end of the term. The division has asked the commission to act in line with this provision.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the commission plans to conduct local government elections in phases after Eid.

Following the July uprising in 2024, the government removed elected representatives from 12 city corporations, 330 municipalities, 497 upazila parishads and district councils after mayors and chairmen stepped down. Most local government bodies are currently being administered by appointed administrators, except for union parishads.

However, a court order has permitted Shahadat Hossain to continue serving as mayor of Chattogram City Corporation.