Dhaka: Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Hossain announced that candidates could begin their election campaigns immediately after the allocation of electoral symbols on Wednesday. Responding to a question from reporters, Hossain remarked, “You said to yourself that it can be done, and then asked me when it can be done. You have given both the question and the answer. What else can I answer? You have given the answer. Campaigning can begin after the allocation of symbols.”
According to United News of Bangladesh, the EC Secretary was speaking to journalists after Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon. The meeting was held to provide the Swedish diplomats with an update on the electoral situation. Ambassador Nicolas Weeks and First Secretary for Human Rights, Democracy, and Gender Equality sought information about the overall situation.
Akhtar Hossain mentioned that the Swedish envoy assured the Election Commission of their support if needed. He emphasized that there was no discussion on specific issues but noted that the Swedish diplomats were concerned about the law and order situation ahead of the election. “They asked whether we have any concerns regarding law and order. We told them that so far we do not have any major concerns,” he stated, adding that they were briefed about the deployment plan for maintaining security during the election.
The meeting also covered the Election Commission’s strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation during the election period. Additionally, the Swedish diplomats were briefed on the technical aspects of the postal ballot system. The national election is scheduled for February 12 next year.