Election Schedule Announcement Imminent as CEC Prepares Address

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin has finalized his speech for the announcement of the national election schedule.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Ma’sud confirmed that following a meeting with the President tomorrow, the Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum either tomorrow evening (Bangladesh time) or on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday afternoon, Ma’sud said the CEC will call on political parties and all stakeholders to extend their cooperation in ensuring a free and fair election during the schedule announcement.

As per longstanding practice, the Nasir Uddin–led commission will meet the President tomorrow. Meanwhile, the CEC is scheduled to meet with the Chief Justice today to discuss overall election preparations.

Earlier, the full commission held a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to review key election issues. The Election Commission has also amended the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and published the gazette.

Under the amendment, postal ballots with no tick or cross mark beside a candidate’s symbol will not be counted, and ballots marked for more than one symbol will also be considered invalid.