The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has temporarily suspended all electoral activities in the Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies, citing ongoing legal complications related to constituency boundary demarcation ahead of the next parliamentary elections. The decision was taken following judicial intervention that stayed part of the EC’s earlier notification on constituency restructuring. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said election-related operations in the two constituencies would remain suspended until further directives are issued by the court.

As part of its preparations for the upcoming national polls, the Election Commission had issued a gazette notification last year redefining constituency boundaries. Under the revised arrangement, Santhia upazila was designated as the sole area under Pabna-1, while Sujanagar and Bera upazilas were grouped together to form Pabna-2. However, the revised demarcation was challenged in court by residents of the affected areas, who questioned the legality of the changes. Following the legal challenge, the Appellate Division stayed the implementation of the amended notification, effectively restoring the previous boundaries for the two constituencies until a leave to appeal is filed and adjudicated.

The suspension means that campaign activities, voter engagement efforts, and other pre-election processes in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 have been put on hold, creating uncertainty for political parties and candidates preparing for the polls. Political observers note that the move adds to broader concerns over electoral preparedness and legal disputes surrounding the election process. With national elections approaching, such interruptions are likely to affect political strategies and voter confidence in the affected regions.

The Election Commission has said it will comply with court directives and resume activities once legal clarity is achieved, reaffirming its commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the law. 

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