Election Commission concludes hearing objections on proposed constituency boundaries

Over four days, the EC has heard objections on the boundaries of 84 constituencies across 33 districts

The Election Commission (EC) has concluded a four-day hearing on objections and applications regarding the proposed boundaries of constituencies ahead of the parliamentary polls.

On Wednesday, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the commission will review all feedback and release the final list “as soon as possible”.

He presented a summary of the four-day process at a media briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban, or Election Building.

The hearings were attended by the chief election commissioner (CEC), four other commissioners, and the EC secretary, among others.

A specialised committee had drafted constituency boundaries for the national election, and the EC released a preliminary list of 300 constituencies on Jul 30, keeping 261 seats unchanged from the last parliament and making minor adjustments in 39 constituencies.

Among the changes, one seat was added in Gazipur and one seat reduced in Bagerhat.

Objections and recommendations could be submitted until Aug 10. In total, the EC received 1,893 submissions -- 1,185 objections and 708 recommendations -- covering 84 constituencies in 33 districts. Both supporting and opposing views were presented, with objections heard first.

The commission heard applications over four days: 18 seats in six districts on Sunday, 20 seats in nine districts on Monday, 28 seats in six districts on Tuesday, and 18 seats in 12 districts on Wednesday.