Dhaka: The Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) speech, in preparation for the upcoming 13th national parliament election and referendum, is set to be recorded on December 10 for broadcast on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, disclosed this information during a briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon. He stated that the CEC will decide the content and timing of the speech to be recorded. Despite being asked about the speech content, Secretary Ahmed mentioned he was unaware of the specifics, reiterating that the CEC knows the content and the exact timing for the recording.
In response to inquiries about a meeting with the President, Ahmed stated that he has not yet been informed about the timing but anticipates an announcement soon. Additionally, he explained that after the election schedule is announced, eligible voters within the country must register for postal ballots within 15 days. These ballots will be sent to voters' designated addresses, with specific provisions for those involved in the election process, such as police and army personnel, who will have a separate registration timeline.
On Monday, the Election Commission sent a letter to BTV and Bangladesh Betar, instructing them to record the CEC's speech. The letter emphasized that the CEC's address to the nation, related to the national elections and referendum, will be simultaneously broadcast on both media outlets. It also directed BTV to prepare a recording team to visit the EC Secretariat after confirming the recording schedule and to ensure the broadcast at the designated time.
Following the 10th Commission meeting on Sunday, Election Commissioner Brig. Gen. Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd.) informed reporters that the election and referendum schedule would be announced soon. He mentioned that the pre-scheduled activities have been completed, and that the entire commission would meet with the President as part of these preparations.