Dhaka: Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Sunday indicated that the Election Commission is poised to announce the schedule for the first phase of Union Parishad elections within this month. The voting is anticipated to take place either before or after the annual examinations of students.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Sarker conveyed that the commission aims to initiate the local government elections with the Union Parishad polls. The timing of these elections is being carefully considered to accommodate the academic calendar, as November and December are crucial months for students and teachers with various examinations scheduled.
Polling centres are planned to be situated in educational institutions, with teachers taking on roles as presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers. Sarker emphasized the importance of ensuring that the elections do not coincide with the examinations, to avoid any disruptions.
In an effort to bolster security during the local polls, the Election Commission plans to enhance the use of technology. Sarker mentioned that all polling centres might be covered by CCTV cameras, and the use of body-worn cameras will be increased. Additionally, drones will be deployed to swiftly gather information about the situation at different locations and aid the law-enforcement agencies.
The commission is also preparing to tackle misinformation and false information that may circulate during the elections. Sarker refrained from commenting on Jamaat-e-Islami's demands concerning political office-bearers and their participation in the non-party local government elections. He reiterated that the elections are to be held on a non-partisan basis, leaving no room for deviation from this principle.
Addressing the issue of MPO-listed teachers participating in the elections, Sarker noted potential concerns about their neutrality if they were to contest while serving as polling officials. To address this, the EC has recommended amendments to the relevant election laws.
Furthermore, Sarker announced that the schedule for the by-election to the Thakurgaon-1 constituency is expected to be revealed soon, with preparations underway for IT-supported postal voting in the area.