Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has initiated the process of receiving essential election materials in preparation for the forthcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, with shipments being delivered to its headquarters located in Agargaon, Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the supplies have been arriving at the EC headquarters since early September, following work orders that were issued several months in advance. The materials are arriving in phases, and at least six types of items have been recorded, with the latest consignments noted last Thursday and again today.
Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, along with Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz and other senior officials, inspected the newly arrived materials at the EC building's basement warehouse. The inspection covered a range of polling materials, including ballot boxes, locks, lids, gunny bags, seals, different types of forms, and packets.
As per the EC's announced work plan, the distribution of forms and packets to field-level offices is scheduled from September 16 to November 16. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed informed BSS, "Today we held a meeting regarding the annual procurement plan. Election materials have already started arriving."
EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz further elaborated, "We have already received almost half of some types of materials, while others are yet to arrive. We hope to receive all required items within the stipulated timeframe."
The EC reports a total of 126,161,201 voters distributed across 300 constituencies in 64 districts under 10 regions. Akhtar Ahmed mentioned that an average of one polling centre is proposed for every 3,000 voters, resulting in a proposal for 42,618 polling centres and a total of 244,046 polling booths. The final list of polling centres is expected to be published on October 20.
Regarding the procurement process, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed recently noted to journalists that, except for brass seals and sealing wax, all items are being delivered as per the schedule. He expressed optimism that all necessary materials would be received by the end of September.