Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin today announced that the schedules for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and a referendum will be declared in the second week of December. "We hope the schedule for the national parliamentary election will be declared in the second week of December. Once the schedule is announced, you will know the dates," he informed the media after observing mock voting organized by the Election Commission (EC) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Girls' High School in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CEC was accompanied by four Election Commissioners, the Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat, and European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller during the event. The CEC expressed the EC's commitment to ensuring a good, acceptable, and participatory election. The purpose of the mock voting was to evaluate the promises made by the EC and to assess what an ideal polling environment should entail.
The CEC elaborated on the need to observe the practical aspects of voting, emphasizing voter queues, the responsibilities of presiding and polling officers, and the role of journalists. He noted that the EC aims to provide an election as transparent as the mock voting exercise. He also highlighted the need to improve the law and order situation and ensure a favorable environment for the polls.
In discussing the referendum, the CEC acknowledged the additional responsibility of conducting it alongside the national election. He mentioned the need for efficient time management and the potential requirement for additional polling centers or booths, based on evaluations from the mock voting exercise. The CEC emphasized the importance of moving forward based on practical assessments rather than assumptions.
Regarding preparations, the CEC assured that the EC is broadly prepared and committed to transparency. He addressed the issue of referendum publicity, explaining that widespread campaigning has not yet begun, but that the government and the EC will jointly conduct extensive campaigns. The CEC mentioned that the information and cultural ministries have been assigned to carry out the campaign efforts.
The CEC also discussed the referendum's format, which will include only 'Yes' and 'No' options, as agreed upon by political parties. He encouraged journalists to take part in the campaign as responsible citizens and indicated that a massive campaign from the EC's side is forthcoming.
On the topic of law and order, the CEC noted significant improvements and ongoing coordination with law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the continuous training efforts and the EC's commitment to ensuring an environment conducive to polling.