EC to outline work plan after receiving official instructions on referendum and election

The commission weighs whether referendum and election on the same day require additional polling centres or booths

The Election Commission (EC) says it will finalise its work plan once the government provides formal instructions on the parliamentary polls and the referendum.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained the commission’s position while briefing the media at the Nirbachan Bhaban on Tuesday.

“We have not yet received any instructions regarding the referendum,” he said. “Once we receive instructions, we will share them with you and our work plan.”

He also released the final updated voter count for the general election, which stands at nearly 130 million.

Preparations are under way to hold the election in the first half of February, with the schedule expected to be announced in early December.

A referendum on the implementation of the July Charter will be held on the same day as the national election.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus announced this during his address to the nation on Thursday.

EC officials say organising a referendum alongside the election may require increasing the number of polling booths or rooms at some locations.

After the referendum ordinance is issued, a “referendum rule” will also need to be framed, EC officials said. Postal ballots for expatriates will have to include referendum ballots in addition to parliamentary ballots.

Speaking at the launch of the “Postal Vote BD” app in the evening, Akhtar said: “[On Tuesday] we confidently launch Postal Vote BD, opening a new horizon in ensuring people’s voting rights -- for both the national parliamentary election and the referendum.”