Ganatantra Mancha has called for nationwide hartal protesting the schedule announced by the Election Commission (EC) for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary polls.

The alliance has taken out an immediate protest march rejecting the schedule of the 12th parliamentary election announced by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal. 

After the rally, the organisation called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal on Thursday. 

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) General Secretary and the coordinator of Ganatantra Mancha Shahid Uddin Mahmud said, "We reject EC’s announcement of the schedule of national polls under the ruling government. Ganatantra Mancha is also rejecting this Election Commission for announcing the schedule of farce in the name of national election going against the people's demand.”

He urged the countrymen to reject the election schedule. 

Junaid Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhoti Andolan, Akbar Khan, member of the political council of the Biplobi Workers Party, Imran Emon, organising coordinator of the Rastra Sanskar Andolan, were present at the protest march.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the 12th parliamentary election of the country will be held on January 7.

The CEC came up with the announcement for the next election schedule while addressing the nation in the evening. 

According to the constitution, the tenure of the current government will end on January 29, 2024.