The Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) elections are now uncertain, after the High Court (HC) issued a stay order on demarcation of the area under the city corporation, stated Election Commission (EC) officials Wednesday.
On April 29, the HC bench of justices Nayma Haider and Zafar Ahmed issued three months’ stay, and gave the government four weeks to explain “why the demarcation of wards 28 and 29 should not be declared illegal.”
The stay order came following a writ petition filed by Ramzan Ali, a local resident of Gazipur, alleging the government’s demarcation of the two wards (28 and 29) has illegally demolished some areas.
Gazipur district administrator published the demarcation of wards under the corporation on April 18. Under which ward 28 consists of East Joydebpur Harian, Lagalia and Naogaon mouza areas, while ward 29 consists of Vogra, the Hazarika tea gardens, Deora, Samantapur, Tarapara, Sarpara and Chaitanyapur areas.
EC officials said the commission is prepared to hold the GCC elections but it is now uncertain when polling can take place because of the HC stay order.
Sources stated it might not be possible to hold the polls this year, as the date for the next general elections is soon approaching.
Election Commissioner Md Shah Newaz said: “The commission is prepared to hold the poll, but it can do nothing as the High Court has issued a stay order on demarcations.”
EC secretary Dr Mohammad Sadik stated: “The local government and rural development ministry made the demarcation of areas under GCC. So, the ministry will reply to the High Court rule.”
On January 7, the government established Gazipur as an administrative unit, making it the country’s 11th city corporation. As per legal requirements the city corporation elections for Gazipur must be held within July 15.
