Bogura-6 by-poll, Sherpur-3 election schedules likely in Ramadan

The Election Commission (EC) said that it may announce the election schedule for two parliamentary seats during Ramadan, including the Bogura-6 by-election vacated by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and the previously postponed general election in Sherpur-3.

EC sources on Tuesday said that the commission is finalising preparations to announce the schedules for both the Bogura-6 by-election and the Sherpur-3 general election within Ramadan. The EC is expected to announce the dates soon.

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said preparations to announce the schedules for these constituencies are underway and that details will be released shortly.

In the 12 February election, Tarique Rahman won both the Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 seats. Under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), a person cannot hold more than one parliamentary seat simultaneously. On Monday, after he formally expressed his intention to vacate the Bogura-6 seat, the Election Commission declared it vacant.

Under the Constitution, the EC must hold a by-election within 90 days of a parliamentary seat being declared vacant.

Meanwhile, voting in Sherpur-3 was deferred following the death of a candidate in the 12 February polls. According to the RPO, the commission must issue a fresh schedule to hold the election in this constituency. Candidates who were previously validated do not need to resubmit nomination papers.