United News of Bangladesh

A three-member BNP delegation has sat in a meeting with the Election Commission (EC), including the Chief Election Commissioner, to discuss various issues, including preparations for the upcoming national election. The meeting began at 3:30 pm in the conference room of the Agargaon Nribachan Bhaban. The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, participated in the meeting. The other members of the BNP delegation are party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman. BNP to hold meeting with EC to discuss election preparations Alongside the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, Election Commissioners Anwarul Islam Sarkar, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, and Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah, as well as EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, participated in the meeting. Before the formal meeting, the BNP delegation entered the Election Building and met with the Chief Election Commissioner at his office around 3 pm. Later, they joined the formal meeting with the EC. BNP announces nationwide rallies over high prices, slide in law and order BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We’re here to discuss various issues, including preparations for the national elections. We want to be informed about the commission's work related to the parliamentary election." He said the meeting would focus on exchanging views with the EC on several issues related to the upcoming election. The BNP leader said the primary agenda for the meeting was to discuss the current status of preparations for the national election, including the progress of the voter list and other electoral activities. Salahuddin said they would also discuss electoral law reforms and other issues the party considers necessary. “We also have some proposals from the party regarding the election, which we will present to the commission during the meeting,” he said. This is the BNP’s first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on November 21 under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin. The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year. On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap. The meeting with the Election Commission is part of the party’s broader efforts to pressure for the prompt holding of the election. Following the meeting with the EC, a BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss the country’s current situation, various election-related issues, and reforms.  

The BNP is set to hold a formal meeting with the Election Commission (EC) this (Sunday) afternoon to discuss various issues, including preparations for the next national election. A three-member delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, will go to the Agargaon Election Building at 3:30 pm, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The other delegation members are party Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Selima Rahman. Speaking to the media, Salahuddin Ahmed said the meeting would focus on exchanging views with the EC on several issues related to the upcoming election. He said the primary agenda for the meeting would be to discuss the current status of preparations for the national election, including the progress of the voter list and other electoral activities. Salahuddin said they would also discuss electoral law reforms and other issues the party considers necessary. “We also have some proposals from the party regarding the election, which we will present to the commission during the meeting,” he said. Will quit after election following basic reforms: Asif Nazrul This will be the BNP’s first official meeting with the newly formed Election Commission, which was established on November 21 under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin. The BNP is aiming for the national election to take place in the middle of this year. On Saturday, the party announced plans to hold 64 public rallies across the country to generate public support for the swift announcement of an election roadmap. The meeting with the Election Commission is part of the party’s broader efforts to pressure for holding the election promptly. Election schedule depends on July Charter: CA’s Press Secretary Following the meeting with the EC, a BNP delegation is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss the country’s current situation and various election-related issues and reforms.

The Election Commission (EC), under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, has embarked on preparations for the nation’s 13th parliamentary election, setting the wheels in motion for what it promises to be a festival time in the country's democratic journey. In a decisive move, the EC has instructed its officials to initiate the procurement process for critical election materials. Plans are also underway to fast-track the door-to-door data collection drive, starting in January instead of March, to ensure an updated and robust electoral roll. US welcomes Interim Government’s steps toward election readiness These resolutions emerged from an impromptu meeting of the commission, presided over by the CEC on Thursday. The session delved into key issues, including voter list updates, constituency delimitation and the procurement of election essentials. Streamlined Procurement Timeline With swift execution, the EC feels that its secretariat could secure all necessary materials within six to seven months. Officials emphasised the need for meticulous planning to adhere to the timeline. Early or late? Chief Adviser’s election hint triggers mixed BNP reactions The meeting detailed the inventory required for the election, which includes transparent ballot boxes, indelible ink pens, official and marking seals, stamp pads, chargers, and other essentials. A review of the existing stocks against projected requirements underscored the urgency of the procurement process. Indelible ink, a crucial component, must be imported and typically requires up to 70 days for delivery. But the EC noted that some contractors have expedited the process in the past, raising hopes for an efficient turnaround. Aligning with Election Timeline Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently suggested that the 13th general election could be held in late 2025 or early 2026. Will be fully prepared to hold elections as per timeframe : CEC Responding to this, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin instructed EC officials to align preparations with this projected timeline. "We will be fully prepared to hold the election as per the timeframe suggested by the Honourable Chief Adviser," the CEC affirmed, exuding confidence in the EC’s ability to meet the challenge. Accelerating Voter List Updates The EC is also poised to expedite the annual update of the voter list. Traditionally, a draft list is published on January 2, inviting public feedback. Any complaints are resolved before the final list is released on March 2. BNP hopes election to be arranged soon The proposed early start to the data collection campaign reflects the EC's commitment to ensuring an accurate and inclusive voter list. Thursday’s meeting was attended by four election commissioners and senior EC officials, who pledged their collective efforts to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming national elections.

Election Commission (EC) today (November 04, 2023) started discussion with all registered political parties to inform them about preparations for the 12th parliamentary election. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is presiding over the discussion at the Election Commission building in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Thirteen registered parties have joined the discussion while three are not joining. Meanwhile, three parties did not inform the commission whether they will join or not. Ganatantri Party was not invited to the discussion. The EC has scheduled two dialogue sessions daily. The first one began at 10:30 am today which will end at 1 pm, and another will be held from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. The day-long discussion with the political parties is being held in two phases.The Election Commission invited the presidents and general secretaries of the parties or two representatives appointed by them for the dialogue. Read: Elections can't be stopped by arson: Salman F Rahman BNP and several of its allies, including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesh Kallyan Party, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), have decided not to participate in the Election Commission dialogue. The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), which is not in any alliance, is also boycotting the EC dialogue. Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis are among the Islamic parties that are boycotting the dialogue. Awami League Presidium Member Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan and Information and Research Secretary Salim Mahmud are representing the party in the dialogue, said the party's Office Secretary Biplab Barua. Read: Now 11.96 crore voters in Bangladesh: EC According to the constitution, parliamentary election must be held within 90 days before the end of the five-year term of parliament. The term of the current parliament ends on January 29, 2024 while the 90-day count starts from November 1, 2023. The Election Commission said that it is preparing to announce the schedule of the national election in mid-November and hold the election in January. Earlier in July 2022, the EC held a dialogue with the political parties to prepare the action plan for the 12th national election while few political parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) did not attend the dialogue. Read more: EC going to stage mockery in the name of dialogue at govt’s behest: BNP