The Election Commission (EC) has decided to hold the upcoming union parishad (UP) elections in five phases, with the first phase of voting scheduled for January 21 next year.

The election timeframe was finalised at a meeting of the Commission held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area on Monday.

After the meeting, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah briefed reporters on the dates for the five phases of the elections.

According to the EC's decision, the second phase of voting will be held on February 4, the third phase on April 29, the fourth phase on May 13 and the fifth phase on May 27.

On September 14, the EC announced a tentative schedule for the UP elections, initially planning to hold the polls in seven phases from November 12.

Earlier on September 14, the Election Commission first announced the possible timeframe for the staggered UP election starting on November 12 this year.

However, the relevant ministries and departments in a meeting with the EC on September 17 suggested not starting the local body elections in November and December as public examinations would be held in schools at the time.

The EC then said it would hold further discussions before finalising the election schedule.