Cyclone Remal halts polls in 19 Upazilas

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has announced the suspension of elections in 19 upazilas due to the devastating impact of Cyclone ‍‍`Remal‍‍`. These regions are currently facing severe flooding, disruption of electricity, and waterlogging.

On Monday, May 27, Election Commission Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam confirmed the suspension. Previously, the EC had scheduled elections in these upazilas for May 29. However, due to the damage caused by Cyclone ‍‍`Remal‍‍`, the decision was made to postpone the elections.

Secretary Jahangir Alam stated, “Preparations were underway for the third phase of the sixth upazila parishad general elections in 109 upazilas on May 29, involving field administration, district administration, and the EC. However, Cyclone Remal struck the coastal regions last evening, leading to the declaration of emergency alerts—some areas were under the highest level 10 warning, while others were at level 9. Reports indicate that these electoral areas have experienced severe flooding, broken embankments, uprooted trees, and electricity outages.”

He added, "Considering all factors and based on information from the Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners, the Election Commission has decided to suspend elections in the following upazilas: Sarankhola, Morelganj, and Mongla in Bagerhat; Koyra, Paikgachha, and Dumuria in Khulna; Gournadi and Agunjhara in Barisal; Sadar, Mirzaganj, and Dumki in Patuakhali; Mathbaria in Pirojpur; Tajumuddin and Lalmohan in Bhola; Rajapur and Kathalia in Jhalokathi; Bamna and Patharghata in Barguna; and Baghaichhari in Rangamati."

“Elections in a total of 19 upazilas have been postponed. As a result, elections will now take place in 90 upazilas on May 29. The affected 19 upazilas are still waterlogged, and the local administration has requested the postponement of the elections due to these conditions,” said the EC Secretary.

This decision aims to ensure the safety and accessibility of voters and electoral staff in the cyclone-affected areas. The Election Commission will announce new dates for the postponed elections once the situation improves.