EC unveils short-term roadmap on polls

Staff Reporter :

Election Commission (EC) has issued a short-term roadmap ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, marking a first in its history following the official schedule announcement.

Previously, the commission had released a comprehensive election plan in July, but many tasks, including political party registration and constituency boundary adjustments, were not completed on time.

EC officials confirmed the new roadmap on Monday, January 19.

According to the announced plan, the gazette of polling centers for all 300 parliamentary seats will be published on January 22. A special meeting between the EC and law enforcement agencies is scheduled for January 28.
On February 1, law enforcement allocations and appointment of election observers will take place, followed by the dispatch of ballots and election materials to the field on February 2-3.

The roadmap also includes a directive to avoid establishing law enforcement camps at polling centers.
The election comes in the aftermath of the August 2024 student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government and the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

An interim government, headed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, took office with a promise to hold elections within a year. The 13th parliamentary election is scheduled for February 12, as per the EC’s schedule.

Meanwhile, student groups continue their protest. The Student League has extended its sit-in at the Election Commission headquarters for a second day, accusing the commission of bias. The protest began at 11:00 am on Monday and remains ongoing. A five-member delegation of the Student League met EC commissioners yesterday, but announced the sit-in will continue until their demands are met.