Dhaka: The formal scrutiny process of nomination papers submitted by candidates for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election began today. As per the schedule of the Election Commission (EC), this scrutiny will continue until January 4.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, sources at the EC secretariat revealed that a total of 2,582 candidates have submitted their nomination papers to contest in the country’s 300 parliamentary constituencies. EC data indicates that the highest number of nomination papers were submitted in the Dhaka region, while the lowest were in the Faridpur region. Specifically, 444 nomination papers were submitted in Dhaka for 41 constituencies, and 142 in Faridpur for 15 constituencies.
Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin announced the election schedule on December 11 in a televised address. Later, a revised gazette issued on December 18 adjusted the timeline, reducing the time for filing appeals by two days and extending the disposal period by two days. The revised schedule outlines that the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from today to January 4. The appeal process against rejections is scheduled from January 5 to January 9, with appeal disposals from January 10 to January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidacy is January 20, and election symbols will be allocated on January 21.
The elections are set to take place on February 12, a Thursday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Voters will elect members of the 13th National Parliament using transparent ballot boxes and ballot papers. Additionally, a referendum will be conducted on the same day.