Election Commission postpones all elections

The Bangladesh Election Commission has postponed all the elections scheduled for 11 April due to the deterioration of the Covid-19 situation in the country.

The commission has decided to postpone the 371 union parishad elections, the sixth phase municipal election in 11 municipalities and Laxmipur-2 by-election, which were scheduled to be held on 11 April, said Ashok Kumar Debnath, additional secretary to the Election Commission, after a meeting on Thursday. 

"The Election Commission has taken this decision as the Covid-19 infection in the country is increasing alarmingly," said Ashok Kumar said adding that the next date for these elections will be announced after observing the Covid-19 situation. 

However, in line with the Constitution, a quick notification will be issued for the Laxmipur-2 by-election, said Ashok.

Earlier, the Election Commission had decided in principle to postpone those elections in an emergency meeting on 29 March, after the government issued 18 directives to control the spread of novel coronavirus in the country.