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State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shah Alam, has stated that the specific dates for the elections have not yet been finalized. However, the Election Commission (EC) intends to conclude local government elections, including Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, Municipalities, and City Corporations, by June 6.
He made these remarks on Wednesday (September 23) at a press conference held at the Secretariat regarding the installation of rooftop solar power panels in offices, agencies, and institutions under the Local Government Division and the use of solar power in offices, in response to questions from journalists.
The State Minister said that following an inter-ministerial meeting, the EC announced its plan to conclude local government elections by June 6. However, the Local Government Ministry has not yet been officially informed about when the elections will commence or which phases will be held at what times.
He stated that the EC might determine the election schedule considering factors such as Ramadan, SSC examinations, and annual examinations in December. The use of various educational institutions as polling centers is also being taken into account.
In response to a question about whether local government elections would commence this year, Mir Shah Alam said that, according to the EC’s given timeframe, it appears elections might begin next year. However, the final decision rests with the EC.
The State Minister informed that another inter-ministerial meeting might take place at the end of September or the first week of October. There, the EC will finalize the election schedule after discussions with representatives from various ministries.
He stated that the government aims to conclude local government elections within the current fiscal year, adding that the government would not decide when the elections would commence.
The State Minister also mentioned that, according to the EC’s preliminary estimates, approximately 6,000 crore Taka might be required to organize five types of local government elections. Of this, about 2,700 to 2,800 crore Taka could be spent on Union Parishad elections, and 2,200 to 2,300 crore Taka on Upazila elections. He added that relatively less money would be needed for Municipality and City Corporation elections.
Mir Shah Alam stated that the government is prepared to provide funds close to this estimated expenditure, though the final amount might slightly vary.
In response to a question about whether the recent increase in fuel prices would impact local government elections, the State Minister said that the election dates have not yet been finalized, making it difficult to comment on the matter at this time.
When asked about the Prime Minister’s information advisor’s statement that rising fuel prices could create risks for candidates’ victories in local government elections, he responded that it would be better to ask the concerned person this question.
The State Minister further added that the election schedule has not yet been announced, and no candidates have officially emerged. Therefore, it is too early to say whether risks have been created for candidates. People’s reactions will be understood once the elections take place.