The Election Commission on Thursday declared schedule for by-elections to two parliamentary constituencies - Dhaka-5 and Naogaon-6 - to be held on October 17.

According to the schedule declared by EC’s senior secretary Md Alamgir at a press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban on Thursday, the enthusiasts will be allowed to submit their nomination papers till September 17 whereas the authorities concerned will scrutinize the nomination papers within September 20. The deadline for the withdrawal of candidature is September 27.

The by-elections will be held from 900am to 500pm through electronic voting machines (EVMs) instead of traditional ballot papers.

The Dhaka regional election officer and Naogaon district election officer will act as returning officers for Dhaka-5 and Noagaon-6 by-polls respectively.

The Dhaka-5 fell vacant following the death of Awami League MP Habibur Rahman Mollah on May 6 while that of Nagaon-6 following the demise of AL MP IsrafilAlam on July 27.

As a result, the Commission has to declare the schedule as they have the legal obligation to arrange a parliamentary by-election within 90 days after the constituency concerned falls vacant.