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before announcing the schedule, including preparation of voter lists, procurement of election materials, religious festivals, public examinations, weather conditions, and the repair and finalisation of polling centres. Selection and training of election officials are also required.

At least 45 days are needed for pre-schedule preparations, he added.

In response to a question from Faridpur-1 MP Md Ilyas Mollah, the minister said the interim government’s Public Administration Reform Commission recommended in December 2024 the creation of two new divisions, Faridpur and Cumilla.

Under the proposal, Faridpur Division would include Faridpur, Madaripur, Rajbari, Gopalganj and Shariatpur districts, currently under Dhaka Division. The final decision will be taken by the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganisation (NICAR).