Local government elections in Bangladesh are set to commence at the end of 2026, according to Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat's Press Information Department (PID) on Tuesday, the adviser noted that the necessary preparations are already underway.
"The election will start at the end of the year," Dr. Zahed confirmed, adding that the concerned ministry has already communicated the required preliminary steps.
He further clarified the timeline for the electoral cycle, stating that the entire process is expected to span between ten months and a year once it begins.
Addressing rumors regarding the potential abolition of the Upazila Parishad following the recent allocation of office spaces for Members of Parliament (MPs) within those complexes, the adviser stated that no such decision has been made.
He explained the legal framework, citing Section 25 of the Upazila Parishad Act, which designates MPs as legal advisers to the Parishad.
"If he is there legally, some may argue whether that position should exist at all — whether an MP should serve as an adviser is a separate debate," he remarked.
However, he maintained that providing an office is a logical extension of their existing advisory role and does not "make the situation worse in any way."
Dr. Zahed emphasized that the government has no intention of weakening or diminishing the local government body through these administrative measures.
