According to the schedule, the last date for filing nomination is August 16 while the closing date for withdrawal of candidature is August 23. Nomination papers submitted by the candidates will be scrutinised on August 17.

The general election at 115 municipalities held on May 5 to 10 this year, was marked by widespread violence and allegations of capturing polling centres and casting false votes. The EC asked the government to deploy the army to make sure the polls were held peacefully, but the government rejected the EC recommendation.

The EC will take the decision on security arrangement for the upcoming elections after considering the current law and order in concerned areas.

"We'll sit to discuss security arrangements and will ask the district administrations to take necessary measures to ensure peaceful atmosphere to have the elections held free and fair," Election Commissioner M Munsef Ali told The Daily Star yesterday.

The 15 municipalities that are going to polls are --- Thakurgaon, Nilfamari, Haragachha, Nababganj, Rahanpur, Meherpur, Monirampur, Satkhira, Kalapara, Daulatkhan, Borhanuddin, Charfashion, Kabirhat, Lakkhipur, and Patia.

The EC Secretariat yesterday directed the 11 district administrations to stagger the polls in two days in line with the election schedule.

For municipality that is situated in district headquarters, additional district magistrate has been appointed as the returning officer (RO) while district election officer as assistant returning officer (ARO). For municipality in upazila, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) has been appointed as RO and upazila election officer as ARO.

Local government election is officially held non-politically, but it turns out to be political, as local leaders and activists of different political parties contest polls involving the parties' local units with electioneering.