CEC to record speech on polls schedule, election day may be Feb 8 or Feb 12

The EC had met with the president on Wednesday in the run-up to the announcement of the election schedule

The Election Commission (EC), led by AMM Nasir Uddin, is finalising preparations to announce the schedule for the upcoming general election and referendum following a meeting with the president.

The address is scheduled to be recorded at the Election Building on Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier that day, the commission chiefs met with President Md Shahabuddin at noon.

When asked, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said: “The president has been informed about the overall election preparations. The schedule will be announced within 1-2 days. The address will be recorded today.”

He said the court directive concerning the Bagerhat constituency would not influence the schedule.

The commissioner said, “I just heard about it. It shouldn't have an impact. We will announce the schedule as planned.

“If we don't need to include that (Bagerhat seat), we won't. We will sit, review the order, and see what happens. We will make our announcement later.”

He noted that although the schedule address will be recorded on Wednesday, the announcement will be made within one to two days.

There are suggestions that the election may be held in the first half of February, specifically on Feb 8 or Feb 12.

Another election commissioner said, “The polling date will be either the 8th of February or the 12th. The schedule will be announced soon. It will be recorded on Wednesday afternoon. After that, the commission will convene to discuss other matters.”

The four other members of the Nasir Uddin-led EC are election commissioners Rahmanel, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, and the commission’s secretary is Akhtar Ahmed.

Returning from Bangabhaban, Akhtar reiterated that the national election and the referendum will be held on the same day.

The chief election commissioner (CEC) also briefed the president on the ballot colour, the method of vote counting, and the registration of political parties, he added.

WHEN WILL THE SCHEDULE BE ANNOUNCED?

At 3pm, the EC secretary said: “Now you (the media) may have a question, when will the schedule be announced? Everyone wants to know. The address of the CEC will be recorded at 4pm.”

“Right now, the CEC is discussing the overall matter with the four commissioners and they will decide when the schedule will be announced.”

He noted that the media would be informed as soon as the decision is known.

The secretary added, “Wait for about an hour, and I will be able to give another update.”