EC Plans Major Redraw of Seat Boundaries Before Polls

The commission has already received more than 400 applications that sought changes in at least 66 parliamentary seat boundaries in different districts. Most of the applications sought the restoration of the 2001 demarcation of the parliamentary constituencies.

In the demarcation process, the EC would consider the applications that contain logical demands.

Following the promulgation of the National Parliament Constituency Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 few days ago, the Election Commission started the process of drafting the demarcation of 300 parliamentary constituencies following the existing laws.

The EC is giving importance to the applications submitted by the people, the latest census data and administrative, and geographical integrity in the demarcation process.

As of May 19, the EC received at least 416 applications from more than 60 constituencies seeking changes in their boundaries.

Most of the applications were submitted by BNP leaders and activists, including several former MPs and local government representatives.

Nearly 90 percent of applications were submitted seeking the restoration of the 2001 constituency boundaries.

The highest 103 applications were submitted for the change in Pirojpur-2 constituency (comprising of Kaukhali upazila, Bhandaria Upazila and Necharabad Upazila), followed by 92 for Cumilla-10 constituency (comprising of Sadar Dakkhin Upazila, Lalmai Upazila and Nangalkot Upazila).

Besides, 38 applications were placed to demand rising the number of parliamentary seats by one in Manikganj district, and nine applications were submitted demanding an additional seat in Chandpur.

Since the EC has decided to take into account "logical applications, all the applications are currently under scrutiny.

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker on Monday told UNB that they are considering the application submitted for delimitation of constituencies.

“We are reviewing the logic behind the applications (submitted for delimitation). The logical aspects of their application are being considered. We have no personal motives,” he said.

In response to a question about whether the EC will return to the 2001 boundaries, he said, "If the arguments of those who have applied are valid, we will consider. However, it is not like that the boundaries will be changed in all seats (as per their demands). There are many seats where the existing boundaries are logical."

The Election Commissioner also said they will also consider the logical applications and all other aspects like the census data and administrative integrity during the demarcation of the parliamentary seats.

EC officials said the number of constituencies in the city areas particularly – Dhaka and Chattogram-- is likely to decline while the number of the seats in rural areas may go up.

The Election Commission will publish the draft delimitation of 300 constituencies in a gazette to receive objections.

After disposal of the objections, the Commission will publish the final delimitation of 300 constituencies in another gazette before the next national election.

EC officials said since the change in the boundary of one constituency affects neighboring seat/s, this time the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies would witness a major change after 2008.

The boundaries of more than 100 constituencies were changed in 2008 but no major change was brought in the delimitation of constituencies before the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections.

Some 50 constituencies witnessed changes before the 2014 election, while 25 parliamentary seats before the 2018 election and 12 constituencies before the 2024 election.

But, former local government secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan said if the Election Commission brings changes in the parliamentary constituencies without negotiation among the government, the judiciary and the EC to avoid legal complications, it would invite risks to delay the next national election.

“Though it is routine work for the EC, many petitions may be filed with the higher court challenging the EC’s decisions over the delimitation of constituencies, which would create risks to delay the election,” he told UNB.

The former secretary said the EC should carry out this job through an agreement to avoid legal complexities in this regard.

The 66 constituencies include Satkhira-3 and 4, Rangpur-1, Barguna-1 and 2, Pirojpur-1 and 2, Kishoreganj-2, Manikganj-1, 2 and 3, Munsiganj-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, Jhalokathi-2 and Barishal-3.