Local government elections in Bangladesh are unlikely to be held in the near future, as uncertainty over the government’s position, economic constraints driven by global instability, and seasonal challenges continue to delay the process.
However, when elections are eventually held, the Election Commission (EC) is considering prioritising municipality (pourashabha) and overdue union parishad (UP) polls in phases.
According to EC sources, although many local government bodies are technically ready for elections, the final decision depends largely on government approval. Officials say that even under normal circumstances, at least 45 days of preparation is required to conduct an election. With the country heading into extreme summer heat followed by the monsoon season, holding polls in the coming months is considered impractical.
As a result, insiders believe that no local government elections are likely before November.
Sources also indicate that the government may not be in a rush to hold elections, as administrators have already been appointed in several local government bodies, including city corporations. In addition, the financial burden of organising elections amid the current economic situation is emerging as a key concern.
EC officials said they have been instructed to begin preliminary preparations, including collecting updated information on unions, municipalities, and other local government institutions. However, without a clear signal from the government, the election process may remain stalled.
EC to seek govt position on city polls
Under the law, elections to city corporations are supposed to be held within 180 days before the expiry of their tenure. However, the terms of Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, and Chattogram City Corporation have already expired.
According to EC data, the election window for Dhaka South was between 4 December 2024 and 1 June 2025, Dhaka North between 5 December 2024 and 2 June 2025, and Chattogram between 27 August 2025 and 22 February 2026.
Although the Local Government Division sent a letter to the EC on 1 February regarding these elections, the current Commission is reluctant to proceed based on instructions from the previous interim government. Instead, it is awaiting a clear position from the present government.
In this context, the EC has decided to write to the government seeking guidance on city corporation elections as well as the broader roadmap for local government polls.
EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz confirmed that a decision has been made to send such a letter, though the timeline for doing so remains unclear. He also noted that there has been no recent communication from the government regarding elections.
Commissioners emphasise phased approach
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an election commissioner said that while the EC is responsible for conducting elections, policy decisions ultimately rest with the government. He added that weather conditions and logistical preparedness are key considerations, making immediate elections difficult.
Another Election Commissioner, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, said that the Commission had received correspondence from the previous government regarding Dhaka and Chattogram city elections, but now seeks clarity from the current administration.
“We will sit with the government and other stakeholders to decide which elections should be held first,” he said.
Masud also pointed to the ongoing international crisis, particularly tensions in the Middle East, as a factor affecting the country’s financial capacity to hold elections.
“Elections require significant funding. While we want to proceed quickly, the situation may delay the timeline,” he said.
He added that the Commission is considering a phased election plan, where municipality or union parishad polls may come first, followed by selected city corporation elections. District council polls are likely to be held at a later stage.
Despite the delays, the EC maintains that it has made initial preparations and remains committed to holding elections in a way that minimises public inconvenience.
