The Election Commission (EC) today (24 August) began hearings on objections and claims regarding the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies, with the first day covering 18 constituencies.
A total of 811 petitions were heard — 429 against and 382 in favour of the draft boundaries published by the EC.
The hearings, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, were held at the EC auditorium from 12pm to 5pm.
The constituencies reviewed included Brahmanbaria-2, 3, and 5; Cumilla-6, 9, 10, and 11; Noakhali-1, 2, 4, and 5; Chandpur-2 and 3; Feni-3; and Lakshmipur-2 and 3.
Addressing the participants at the opening of the hearing, the CEC said, “We have tried to work professionally and impartially. According to the law, an opportunity has been given to raise objections to the draft boundaries. Your petitions have been taken into consideration, and now you can present your arguments during the hearing.”
During hearings on objections to the draft boundaries of Brahmanbaria-2 and 3 constituencies, supporters from both sides — who had filed petitions for and against the proposed changes — became agitated and engaged in a scuffle.
Police personnel and EC officials present at the venue quickly intervened to bring the situation under control.
Following the incident, the EC Secretary concluded the hearing for Brahmanbaria-2 and 3 and requested the concerned parties to leave the hearing room.
Tomorrow (25 August), hearings will continue for 98 objections from the Khulna region, 381 from Barishal, and 20 from Chattogram. The following day (26 August), 316 petitions from Dhaka region will be reviewed.
On 27 August, hearings will cover seven petitions from Rangpur, 232 from Rajshahi, three from Mymensingh, 18 from Faridpur, and two from Sylhet.
The EC had received a total of 1,760 objections and claims concerning 83 constituencies. The commission plans to conclude hearings by 27 August and then finalise and publish the new constituency boundaries.
The draft boundaries, published on 30 July, proposed changes to balance voter distribution. Under the proposal, the number of constituencies in Bagerhat would be reduced from four to three, while Gazipur’s constituencies would increase from five to six.