Dhaka: The schedule for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) election and the referendum will be announced this week, stated Election Commissioner (EC) Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah. He conveyed this information to journalists following the 10th commission meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting, which included four election commissioners and senior officials from the EC Secretariat. Sanaullah shared that procedural tasks are underway, such as the full commission meeting with the President and coordinating with Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television for the Chief Election Commissioner's statement.
Sanaullah revealed plans to extend voting hours by one hour, starting at 7:30 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. The voter list has been finalized, with provisions for postal voters. The selection of presiding officers and polling officers was also discussed, favoring personnel from government and state institutions, with private bank officers reserved for necessary circumstances.
Regarding election materials, arrangements were confirmed for timely delivery to polling centers the night before the election. Preparations are underway for conducting two simultaneous elections, ensuring materials like ballot papers are ready.
On managing the elections, Sanaullah mentioned improvements such as multiple marking places in polling rooms. For the referendum, the government is leading publicity efforts with the Election Commission's support. Large-sized referendum ballots will be displayed at voting lines, with clear instructions for various voter needs to facilitate a smooth voting process.