Patuakhali-1: EC to decide on holding by-polls today

The Election Commission will decide whether it would hold by-elections to Patuakhali-1 constituency after a meeting today, said an EC yesterday.

The parliament secretariat on Sunday announced the constituency vacant after former state minister for religious affairs and Patuakhali-1 lawmaker Shahjahan Miah died on Saturday.

There is confusion whether the EC would hold the by-elections just months ahead of next general elections, which is likely to take place in early January.

A vacant parliamentary seat must be filled through election within 90 days.

The present parliament has till January 29, with more than three months time, the official added.