New wards must be part of Dhaka North mayoral polls, says Abdul Mobarak

Former Election Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mobarak says he believes the 18 wards newly added to the Dhaka North City Corporation will be included in the upcoming mayoral bypolls.

As a gazette regarding ward boundaries has been issued, there should be no obstacle to their inclusion, he said.

“There might have been complications if the boundaries of the newly added wards had not been defined. But now the new wards must be included in the polls. After the bypolls, the new mayor and ward councillors will fulfil their duties for the remainder of this term.”

On Dec 1 the Local Government Division issued a gazette declaring vacant the post of Dhaka North City mayor, recently held by Annisul Huq. The Election Commission is now bound to hold bypolls for the position by Feb 28.

The Local Government Division issued a gazette redrawing the city corporation boundaries for Dhaka city on Jul 26, adding 18 wards, six of which are reserved, to the Dhaka North City Corporation at the recommendation of officials overseeing the boundaries of the constituencies.

The Dhaka North City Corporation expanded from 36 wards to 54 wards following the redrawing of the boundaries. The Dhaka South City Corporation also expanded from 57 to 75 wards.

Annisul Huq took up the post of mayor on Apr 28, 2015 for a five-year term.

EC officials say the newly elected mayor will serve the remainder of Huq’s term cut short by his death.

The newly elected ward councillors will similarly serve the remainder of the city corporation’s term, says Mobarak, who ended his term as election commissioner in February.

EC acting Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com that they are currently busy with the Rangpur City Corporation polls. They will begin working on the Dhaka North bypolls as soon as they receive an official letter.

The Dhaka North bypolls must be held within the 90 days after the announcement of the mayoral post vacancy, EC officials said. As such they may use this year’s voter list. The EC must take all necessary preparations and announce a schedule with 45 days in hand.