TDS Desk:

The country is gearing up for local government elections across key city corporations, with activities expected to continue throughout the year. The Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) is awaiting parliamentary guidance on whether the elections will be conducted on a partisan or non-partisan basis, while political parties have begun discussions on candidate selection.

Preparations are underway for elections to the Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, and Chattogram City Corporation, following a request from the Local Government Division. Officials said the matter will be presented to the EC soon.

According to the Local Government Division, the Dhaka South City Corporation term ended on June 1, 2025; Dhaka North on June 2, 2025; and Chattogram City Corporation will conclude on February 22, 2026. Under the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, elections must be held within 180 days before a term expires.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud  stated that the EC is awaiting parliament’s decision on the use of party symbols and whether mayoral elections will be partisan. A recent ordinance allows non-partisan polls but requires parliamentary ratification before implementation.

Since the July 2024 political upheaval, elected representatives were removed from 12 city corporations, 330 municipalities, 497 upazila parishads, and district parishads. Currently, most local government bodies are run by administrators, though Shahadat Hossain continues as mayor of Chattogram City Corporation by court order.