Demarcation talks: Gazipur welcomes extra seat; Manikganj, Munshiganj demand more

Representatives from Gazipur today (26 August) praised the Election Commission (EC) for its initiative to increase the district's parliamentary seats from five to six in the draft delimitation, while leaders from Manikganj and Munshiganj demanded restoring the number of seats in their districts to four from the existing three.

The hearings on parliamentary constituency re-demarcation, which began on Sunday, are part of the EC's process to dispose of objections and recommendations ahead of the 13th parliamentary election planned for February 2026.

Today's hearing, held at Nirbachan Bhaban, was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. 

Four other election commissioners – Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah – were also present at the hearing, conducted by the EC senior secretary.

The hearings will continue till tomorrow. 

Earlier on Monday, representatives from Bagerhat criticised the EC for reducing the number of parliamentary seats from four to three in the recent draft delimitation of the 300 constituencies, which brought boundary changes in 39 constituencies.

"Our long-standing expectation has been that the number of constituencies in Gazipur would be increased," said BNP leader AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, a former MP from Gazipur-3.

Praising the current commission, he said, "The CEC and other commissioners stand first in terms of honesty, sincerity and dedication compared to any time in the past. We are grateful for the generosity you have shown to the people of Gazipur. You have made a timely decision."

Milon assured the commission of all-out support for holding a free and fair election, saying, "We will stand by you and extend all possible assistance. Be it movement or struggle for just causes, we will respond and cooperate with the EC in establishing people's rights."

Gazipur City BNP General Secretary M Manjurul Karim Rony told reporters that most participants expressed gratitude for the increase in seats, raising only minor demands to adjust police stations and wards under specific constituencies.

Meanwhile, representatives from Manikganj and Munshiganj urged the EC to restore their seats to four, as they were before the 2008 delimitation.

Manikganj representative Barrister Khairul Alam Chowdhury said reducing the number of constituencies from four to three in 2008 had weakened the district's representation. 

"Since there are only three seats, allocations for Manikganj have also decreased. We have highlighted the rationale for restoring four seats," he said.

Afroza Khanam Rita, convener of Manikganj District BNP, said she came to the EC as a representative of the common people of Manikganj. "The demand for four seats, like in 2001, is shared by people from all walks of life in Manikganj," she said.

Changes in draft delimitation

On 30 July, the EC published a draft delimitation of the 300 constituencies, bringing boundary changes in 39 constituencies across 14 districts.

Following the draft, the commission received around 1,760 applications concerning 83 constituencies.

The EC heard some 811 petitions – 429 opposing and 382 supporting its move – regarding 18 constituencies of six districts in Cumilla region on Sunday, while 513 petitions – 238 opposing and 275 supporting – were heard on Monday over 20 constituencies in nine districts across Chattogram, Khulna and Barishal regions.

Today, petitions regarding 27 constituencies of six districts in Dhaka region were heard, while petitions concerning 18 constituencies of 12 districts in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Dhaka regions are scheduled for today.

After the conclusion of hearings today, the EC will publish the final delimitation of constituencies as the national election is due in February 2026.