Dhaka: Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed revealed today that the schedule for the presidential election remains pending as the commission is yet to receive the voter list from the Parliament Secretariat. "We have requested the Parliament Secretariat to provide the voter list, but we have not received it yet. The date or schedule for the presidential election will be announced after the voter list is received," he informed journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Akhtar Ahmed explained that the election timeline typically includes a 45-day period between the announcement of the election schedule and polling day. This timeline is calculated backward, taking into account updates to the voter list and other necessary preparations. He reassured that all necessary equipment and polling centers are ready, and the deadline for updating the voter list may be extended if needed. "We are maintaining all preparations so that work can begin immediately after the schedule is announced," Ahmed added.
On the topic of National Identity (NID) corrections, the EC Secretary mentioned that a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has yet to be finalized. Addressing the issue of age correction applications, he noted that many applicants attempt to reduce their age based on academic certificates, leading to inconsistencies with voter registration records. Age corrections may be made based on certificates such as PSC, JSC, or SSC.
Furthermore, the EC Secretary stated that draft proposals have been prepared to amend the code of conduct and relevant laws governing local government elections. These proposed amendments include provisions regarding dual citizenship and loan defaulters. "The draft proposals will be sent to the Ministry of Law and the Local Government Division," he stated.
Regarding the submission of political parties' audit reports, Akhtar Ahmed highlighted that the original deadline was July 31. However, as it coincided with a Friday, the commission accepted reports until August 2. Out of the 59 registered political parties with the EC, 38 submitted their audit reports, while 13 requested extensions. The remaining eight parties did not respond and will be served notices in accordance with the law, he concluded.