Will be fully prepared for election within May-June: EC tells BNP

The party holds its first meeting with the news commission and discusses the election timeline and preparations

The Election Commission will be fully prepared for the general elections within May-June after updating the voter list, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has said following a meeting with the commission.

He told journalists that the party had exchanged views with the commission regarding what it is currently doing and the preparations for the forthcoming elections.

"After the discussions, we got the impression that within May or June, it will be fully ready for the elections after updating the voter list. However, it does not have the authority to make a final decision on this matter," he added.

The BNP leader highlighted that according to the Constitution and laws of Bangladesh, if the government resigns, the election must be held within 90 days.

"But, the country is not currently running under that law, is it? At this moment, a request must come from the government based on political consensus. Then, the Election Commission will hold the elections.

“However, we understand that if full preparation is in place by May-June, then any relevant issues can be resolved, and the national elections can be held very quickly."

A three-strong BNP delegation, headed by Standing Committee member Nazrul, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and other commissioners at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon at 3:30pm.

After the 52-minute meeting, the BNP leader spoke to journalists outside the conference room.

When asked whether the EC hinted at an election date, he said: "No. As I said, it cannot announce the election. The election is not happening under the normal constitutional process."

When asked if the BNP had proposed anything regarding the election, Nazrul said: "We have not made any proposals. We will not ask the commission for that.

“Since the government is responsible for announcing the election date, the commission will announce the schedule afterwards.

“You know, we have a meeting with the chief Advisor [on Monday], where we will discuss this matter."

Following the political change, a new five-strong Election Commission was formed in November 2024 under the leadership of retired secretary Nasiruddin.

This is the first meeting with the BNP since the new commission assumed office.