The by-polls to Gaibandha-1 and Brahmanbaria-1 will be held on March 13 as the Election Commission yesterday announced the polls schedules for the two parliamentary constituencies.

According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of nomination paper is February 14, while the date for scrutinising the nomination papers is February 16 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 23, said Director (PR) of the EC Secretariat SM Asaduzzaman.

The Brahmanbaria-1 constituency fell vacant following the death of Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Haque on December 16, while the Gaibandhab-1 fell vacant following the death of Golam Mostafa on December 19.

The Rangpur Regional Election Officer has been appointed the returning officer for Gaibandha-1 by-election, while the Comilla Regional Election Officer has been chosen for Brahmanbaria-1 by-polls.

The Election Commission has a constitutional obligation to complete any parliamentary by-polls within 90 days after the constituency concerned falls vacant.