EC plans major reshuffle of parliamentary constituency boundaries
The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is considering a significant overhaul of parliamentary constituency boundaries ahead of the next national election, prioritising logical demands from stakeholders.
The EC has received 416 applications requesting changes to the boundaries of at least 66 constituencies across various districts, with nearly 90% seeking a return to the 2001 demarcations.
Following the National Parliament Constituency Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the EC has begun drafting new boundaries for the 300 parliamentary constituencies, guided by existing laws, the latest census data, administrative and geographical integrity, and public applications.
The majority of applications came from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, including former MPs and local government representatives.
The highest number of requests—103—targeted Pirojpur-2 (Kaukhali, Bhandaria, and Nesarabad Upazilas), followed by 92 for Cumilla-10 (Sadar Dakkhin, Lalmai, and Nangalkot Upazilas).
Additionally, 38 applications sought an extra seat in Manikganj, and nine requested one in Chandpur.
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker told UNB on May 26, 2025, “We are reviewing the logical basis of the applications. Only valid arguments will be considered, but not all boundaries will change, as many existing ones are logical.”
He emphasised that census data and administrative integrity will also guide the process. The EC expects a reduction in urban seats, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, and an increase in rural constituencies.
The EC will publish a draft delimitation gazette for public objections, followed by a final gazette before the election.
Officials noted that changing one constituency’s boundary affects neighbouring seats, making this the most significant redrawing since 2008, when over 100 constituencies were altered.
Minor changes occurred before the 2014 (50 seats), 2018 (25 seats), and 2024 (12 seats) elections.
Former Local Government Secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan warned that without coordination among the government, judiciary, and EC, legal challenges could delay the election.
“Petitions against the EC’s decisions may be filed in higher courts, risking delays,” he told UNB, urging agreement to avoid complications.
The 66 constituencies under review include Satkhira-3 and 4, Rangpur-1, Barguna-1 and 2, Pirojpur-1 and 2, Kishoreganj-2, Manikganj-1, 2, and 3, Munshiganj-1, 2, and 3, Dhaka-1, 2, 3, 7, 12, Gazipur-3 and 5, Narayanganj-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Rajbari-1 and 2, Faridpur-4, Shariatpur-2, Sylhet-3, Brahmanbaria-2 and 3, Cumilla-1, 2, 6, 9, and 10, Chandpur-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Feni-2 and 3, Noakhali-1, 2, 3, and 4, Chattogram-4, 5, 7, and 8, Gaibandha-3, Sirajganj-2, 5, and 6, Jashore-2, Jhalakati-2, and Barishal-3.
Source: UNB