Election Commission under fire for seat boundary changes

Abu Jakir :

The Election Commission (EC) has landed in hot water after publishing the final gazette on parliamentary constituency boundaries for the upcoming 13th national election.

The redistricting, which brought changes to around 52 constituencies, has triggered protests, demonstrations, and mounting political unrest in several districts, most notably Bagerhat, Faridpur, and Brahmanbaria.

According to the gazette released last Thursday, Gazipur has gained one seat while Bagerhat has lost one for the first time in 42 years. The changes have drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, who allege conspiracy and bias.

Protests Erupt in Bagerhat: In the district, where the number of constituencies has been reduced from four to three, all major political parties-including BNP, Jamaat, and Islami Andolon-have united under an “All-Party Sangram Committee.”

The coalition announced continuous strikes, blockades, and shutdowns beginning Monday, vowing to boycott the election unless the previous boundaries are restored.

Jamaat candidate Manjurul Haque Rahad declared, “If the boundaries are not returned to their previous state, no party from Bagerhat will contest the polls.”

BNP’s former district president M.A. Salam added, “We are beginning our movement on Monday, and we will also seek justice from the higher court.”
The committee announced that, except for police stations and hospitals, all establishments in the district would remain locked down.

Road and waterway blockades, including on the Mongla-Ghashiyakhali route, are also planned, threatening operations at Mongla Port and the EPZ.

Faridpur and Brahmanbaria Join the Uproar: Similar turmoil has been reported in Faridpur, where redistricting saw parts of Bhanga upazila shifted from Faridpur-4 to Faridpur-2. The move sparked angry demonstrations. Protesters blocked key points on the Dhaka-Khulna and Faridpur-Barishal highways by burning tires and erecting bamboo barricades, paralyzing traffic across the southern region.

BNP leader Shahidul Islam, an aspirant from Faridpur-4, said, “We completely reject this decision. There is no reason to accept it.” In Brahmanbaria, the EC’s decision to transfer two unions of Bijoynagar upazila from Brahmanbaria-3 to Brahmanbaria-2 has also triggered outrage. Torch processions and protest rallies have been staged, demanding the restoration of the original boundary.

EC Defends Its Decision: Despite the escalating protests, the Election Commission has stood firm. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar told reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday that there is “no scope to question” the final list before any authority or court. “Protests and movements will bring no benefit,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the 13th parliamentary election will be held under the newly redrawn boundaries. “The Commission does not see any opportunity to alter the demarcation further,” he added. Legal and Political Debate: Constitutional experts point out that under existing laws, EC’s constituency demarcation decisions are nearly immune from judicial review.

“Unless there is a major legal irregularity, challenging the gazette through court petitions is not possible,” explained legal analyst Dr. Shahdeen Malik.
Election observers, however, warn that the changes may deepen the political crisis. They note that the last election in 2024 ended in turmoil and the fall of the government, leaving the EC under pressure to prove its credibility.

Allegations of Conspiracy: Political leaders in Bagerhat have described the loss of a seat after four decades as part of a larger conspiracy. Opposition figures argue that the sudden change undermines local representation and could tilt the balance of power.

Analysts say the controversy has placed the EC in a “credibility crisis,” with strikes, blockades, and potential legal challenges casting a shadow over preparations for the next general election.