The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday completed hearings on 260 objections regarding the redrawn boundaries of 18 constituencies across 12 districts under Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Faridpur and Sylhet regions as part of preparations forthe 13th National Parliamentary Election. With this, the EC has disposed of a total of 1,893 objections and recommendations over the past four days.
The day's hearing took place from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. Other election commissioners and Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat were also present. In the morning session, hearings were held on Panchagarh-1, 2, Rangpur-1, Kurigram-4, Sirajganj-2, 5, 6, and Pabna-1. The afternoon session addressed Tangail-6, Jamalpur-2, Kishoreganj-1, Sylhet-1, Faridpur-1, 4, Madaripur-2, 3, and Shariatpur-2, 3 constituencies.
Applicants and their lawyers presented arguments on constituency boundaries, while the EC assured that all disputes would be resolved impartially in line with laws and regulations.
Following the hearing, Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen from Pabna told reporters, "We want Pabna-1 to consist only of Sathia upazila, and Pabna-2 to include Bera and Sujanagar. This proposal was placed in 2018 but never implemented."
Abdul Mannan of Sirajganj said, "Until 2001, Sirajganj had seven constituencies, but this was reduced to six in 2008. Our demand is to restore the previous boundary by including Chauhali upazila and four unions from eastern Shahjadpur."
Earlier on Tuesday, the EC heard 309 petitions-including 259 objections and 50 recommendations-regarding 28 constituencies in six districts of the Dhaka region. Applicants raised concerns about how existing administrative boundaries affected the composition of constituencies, and the commission carefully considered both sides before resolving the disputes.
The first day of hearings, held on Sunday, focused on 18 constituencies in six districts of the Cumilla region. On that day, the EC examined 811 submissions, including 429 objections and 382 recommendations. The proceedings were disrupted by a scuffle inside the EC office, reportedly over disputes among BNP and NCP supporters. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the incident did not involve the commission directly and that a general diary had been filed with the police to ensure proper handling. Applicants and their legal representatives presented concerns about constituency boundaries, and the commission assured impartial resolution in accordance with electoral laws.
