Editors and journalists to meet EC Monday, experts to follow Tuesday

Series of discussions aims to ensure “free, fair and peaceful” election

The Election Commission is set to consult media editors, female leaders and election analysts as it prepares for the parliamentary polls.

Ruhul Amin Mallik, public relations director at the EC Secretariat, confirmed the development on Thursday.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, four election commissioners, the EC secretary and other officers are scheduled to attend the meetings, which will be held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka.

On Oct 6, a Monday, the EC will sit with television channels at 10:30am, followed by a session with newspaper and online journalists at 2:30pm.

The next day, the commission will meet women leaders and election experts.

The EC launched its dialogue round on Sept 28, starting with members of civil society and academics.

The process is now resuming after the Durga Puja holidays.

In letters sent to invited participants, the EC said: “A free, fair and peaceful election is everyone’s expectation. Voters want to cast their ballots in a festive atmosphere, safely and without obstacles.

“The commission is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all to hold a truly free election.”

The letter also notes that “necessary” laws and regulations have been amended to meet current demands, and that trained staff are in place to manage the electoral process.

Still, for a massive national exercise like this, the commission seeks advice from political parties, intellectuals, civil society, journalists, observers, women leaders, and freedom fighters, it read.

The dialogue will continue for one to one and a half months. Registered political parties are also expected to participate later this month.

The EC plans to hold the elections in the first half of February next year, with the schedule expected to be announced in early December.