Elections must be held by Jan 29: EC Alamgir

Staff Reporter :
The next national election should be held by January 29 next, in accordance with the constitution, to avert a potential situation akin to anarchy in the country, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said on Tuesday.

“The election must take place by 29th January, by any means necessary.

Failure to do so would create a constitutional gap leading to a state of anarchy, which the Election Commission cannot allow,” said the election commissioner during a media briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city.

On the other hand, Election Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman said the schedule for 12th Parliamentary polls will be declared in the 1st week of November.

He made the announcement during the distribution of smart National Identity Cards (NIDs) in Sripur Upazila Parishad of Gazipur district on Tuesday as a chief guest.

Md Alamgir made the observation in response to a question from reporters about whether they think the political atmosphere is conducive enough to hold the national election on time.

Speaking on foreign election observers, Md Alamgir said, “Any organisation from any country is welcomed to apply to observe our election. If approved by the EC and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there would be no legal impediments to their participation.”

Furthermore, he said the Election Commission extends invitations to member countries of the Forum Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA), with a special emphasis on neighbouring nations.

“We will be extending invitations to them again this time,” he added.

“In addition to FEMBOSA countries, discussions were held about inviting SAARC nations [Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka].

Invitation letters will be dispatched to them shortly,” the election commissioner said.