Fifth phase of municipality polls on 28 February

The fifth phase of the municipality elections in 31 municipalities across the country will be held on 28 February this year. 

The polls will be conducted on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for all municipalities from 8am to 4pm without interruptions, said Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Md Alamgir at a press briefing in the EC Bhaban after a meeting on Tuesday.

The last date of submitting nomination papers is 2 February, and the papers will be reviewed on 4 February, he said adding that the candidates can withdraw till 11 February. 

Symbols will be allotted to the candidates on 12 February.

Responding to a query, Md Alamgir said, "We had already taken steps to control all kinds of election-related violence, but there are vested quarters who worked to throw the election into chaos. However, overall, the election has been free and fair, and people come to cast their votes."

The EC senior secretary urged the candidates to obey the electoral code of conduct to ensure an environment that is conducive to holding free and fair elections.

However, he warned of tough action against anyone who violates the code of conduct. 

The 31 municipalities where polls will be held are: Rangunia, Raozan, Mirsarai and Bariarhat in Chattogram; Raipur of Laxmipur; Nachol in Chapainawabganj; Habiganj; Dewanganj, Islampur, Madarganj and Jamalpur in Jamalpur; Charghat and Durghapur in Rajshahi; Bogura; Singair in Manikganj; Bhairab in Kishoreganj, Charfashion and Bhola in Bhola; Matlab and Shahrasti in Chandpur; Keshabpur and Jashore  in Jessore; Shibchar and Madaripur in Madaripur; Haragach in Rangpur; Brahmanbaria; Kaliganj and Maheshpur of Jhenaidah; Joypurhat; Nandail in Mymensingh; and Kaliganj in Gazipur district. 

The first phase of the elections in 25 municipalities and the second phase in 60 municipalities were completed on 28 December 2020 and 16 January 2021 respectively.  

The third phase of the polls is scheduled to be held on 30 January in 64 municipalities, while the fourth phase will be held on 14 February in 56 municipalities.