The tentative schedule for the Union Parishad (UP) elections announced last Monday by the Election Commission (EC) is not final, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar clarified on Tuesday (September 15, 2026). He emphasized that the comprehensive dates and operational framework for the local government polls will be finalized during an inter-ministerial meeting scheduled for Thursday (September 17, 2026).
Speaking to media representatives, Commissioner Sarkar explained the EC’s official position following reports of a lack of coordination and reservations expressed by the Ministry of Local Government regarding the initially announced timeline.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam stated that while the Election Commission holds full constitutional authority and independence to conduct elections, the government had not been pre-informed about the proposed seven-phase UP election roadmap. He noted that no formal correspondence or consultations had taken place between the EC and relevant government departments prior to the public announcement.
