Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has declined to comment on remarks made by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, who recently stated that the government has no information regarding the proposed schedule for Union Parishad elections.

Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Tuesday, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said he would not engage in any public disagreement over the minister’s comments.

“What he has said is duly noted. I would not dare make any counter-comment. No comments from my side,” he said.

However, the senior official confirmed that discussions regarding local government elections are ongoing and that a final decision on the election schedule will be made after consultations with relevant ministries and stakeholders on September 17.

Preliminary Election Roadmap Under Discussion

According to the EC Secretary, the Commission has held preparatory discussions over the past two days regarding upcoming local government elections.

He said a tentative plan has been drafted proposing elections in five phases, while two additional phases have been kept in reserve if needed.

“This is only a preliminary schedule,” he emphasized.

Key Stakeholder Meeting on September 17

The Election Commission is scheduled to meet representatives from several ministries and election-related stakeholders, including:

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Local Government

Ministry of Home Affairs

Other agencies directly involved in election management

The Commission will gather feedback and logistical assessments before finalizing the election timetable.

According to Akhtar Ahmed, the preliminary schedule has been shared to help stakeholders assess their readiness and provide informed recommendations.

No Decision Yet on Approval Process

When asked whether approval from government ministries would be required before announcing the election schedule, the EC Secretary said the Commission would provide further details after reviewing the feedback received during the September 17 meeting.

He also declined to elaborate on previous discussions between the Commission and government authorities, describing consultations as an ongoing process.

Concerns Over Long Election Cycle

Responding to questions about whether a prolonged election process lasting several months could affect administration and development activities, the EC Secretary said those issues would also be examined during the upcoming stakeholder meeting.

The Election Commission is expected to announce further details after reviewing all recommendations and operational considerations.