Dhaka: Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced that the Election Commission has finalized all preparations for the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum. Ballot papers have been distributed to 299 constituencies nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Akhtar Ahmed shared this information during the inauguration of the ‘Media Centre’ for foreign journalists at the Intercontinental Hotel. He noted that all necessary election materials have been dispatched to the respective constituencies, with the exception of Sherpur-3. The ballot papers are being transferred from the Returning Officers to the Assistant Returning Officers and then to designated locations, completing the voting preparations.
Ahmed emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections, stating that they mark a crucial turning point, with voting set for the morning of February 12. He acknowledged the challenges faced in reaching this stage but expressed optimism for a new chapter in the country’s history.
Regarding vote counting, Ahmed explained that once polling concludes at 4:30 pm, results will initially be sent to the Assistant Returning Officers before being compiled by the Returning Officers and forwarded to the Election Commission. The commission will then release the results in phases. Additionally, a separate polling station has been established for postal ballots, which require detailed processing and verification, potentially delaying their results.
He assured regular updates from the Election Commission and urged the media to focus on factual reporting, discouraging misinformation. Ahmed stressed the importance of truthfulness in journalism, regardless of its challenges.
The event was attended by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and other officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Election Commission.