Nat’l election schedule to be announced in early Dec: CEC

Staff Reporter:

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has reaffirmed that the schedule for the 13th national election will be announced in the first half of December.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with senior law enforcement and local government officials in Barishal on Saturday, he said the general polls are planned for the first half of February, in line with the interim government’s timeline.

The CEC noted that the Awami League’s activities remain suspended and the party will be barred from participating until the ongoing trial is concluded.

“If the trial is completed before the election, the situation will be reviewed accordingly,” he added.
Responding to the National Citizen Party’s request for the Shapla (water lily) as an electoral symbol, he clarified that since it is not listed with the Election Commission, there is no legal basis to grant it. “We cannot act beyond the law,” he said.

The CEC also assured that the Election Commission will operate independently, free from influence by intelligence agencies.

The Barishal meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Mohammed Rayhan Kaosar, deputy commissioners from six districts, and senior officials from administration and law enforcement.

Earlier, CEC Nasir Uddin held discussions with election officers from the division.