Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda on Tuesday said the commission will take the decision on the upcoming Chattogram City Corporation election and by-polls to five constituencies within a day or two after assessing the impact of coronavirus on the country.

“So far, no decision has been taken over cancelling the upcoming elections. Let’s see two or three more days as all the preparations for the elections are nearing completion,” he said.

The CEC came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban after cutting a cake marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We want to assess the impact of coronavirus on our lives. We’re still moving, I go to market, mosque and office -- none of these have stopped. However, we’ll observe the situation for two to three more days. Then we’ll take the decision on the elections,” the CEC said.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda.File Photo

The candidates were asked to seek votes using alternative ways avoiding any gathering, he said adding that there would be no problem if they follow the directive.

The EC has a plan to hold the election on March 21, he said adding, “We’ll reconsider the decision if the coronavirus situation goes beyond control,”

The by-elections to Dhaka-10, Gaibandha-3 and Bagerhat-4 are scheduled to be held on March 21 while the elections to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Bogura-1 and Jashore-6 are scheduled for March 29.