Bypolls to elect Dhaka North mayor within February, say EC officials

The Election Commission is moving to hold by-polls to elect a new mayor for the Dhaka North City Corporation as the post fell vacant with the death of Annisul Huq.

Huq, who was elected the first mayor of Dhaka North in 2015, was declared dead on Thursday by doctors at a London hospital, where he was being treated for almost four months.

The 65-year-old had served a little over half of his five-year term before he passed away after being diagnosed with cerebral vasculitis— inflammation of the blood vessel wall involving the brain.

Annisul Huq. File photo

EC officials say that they would start the process to hold a by-election after the government officially declares the post vacant.

“The polls have to be held within 90 days from Nov 30, which means by Feb 28. The commission may announce the schedule at least 45 days ahead the by-election,” EC Assistant Secretary Rajib Ahsan told bdnews24.com on Sunday.

According to the laws, terms of elected representatives of city corporations expire five years after the local government body’s following their first official meeting.

“The mayor, elected through the by-election, will serve for the remaining term,” said Ahsan.

EC Acting Secretary Helal Uddin told bdnews24.com that they will initiate the process as soon as the government’s official order is out. “We are legally bound to hold the polls within 90 days after the post has been declared vacant.”