The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is preparing to hold local government elections in phases starting from October. According to Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud, the first phase is likely to include Union Parishad (UP) and municipal elections. He said the commission could complete preparations within one to one and a half months after coordination with the government. The EC plans to complete all levels of local government elections within about a year.

Mashud explained that the commission is considering factors such as public exams, religious festivals, monsoon conditions, and regional connectivity before finalizing the election schedule. The EC has nearly completed revisions to laws, regulations, and the code of conduct, with draft rules published online for public feedback. Key changes include higher candidate deposits, no online nomination submission, and no use of electronic voting machines or postal ballots.

Over 4,500 Union Parishads are ready for elections, with police, BGB, and Ansar to manage security. The commission aims to ensure peaceful voting and reduce violence seen in previous UP elections. The local government minister confirmed in parliament that preparations for free and fair elections are underway.