The High Court hearing on the writ petition filed challenging the legality of the 12th Parliament election schedule is likely to be held today (December 3).

It has been listed as item No 14 in today’s cause list of the HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah.

Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand on Wednesday filed the writ challenging the legality of the election schedule announced for the 12th Parliament by fixing the polling date on January 7 in 2024, while the 11th Parliament is still in force.

Seven individuals, including the chief election commissioner, have been named as defendants in the writ.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, the lawyer sent a legal notice to the chief election commissioner and others, demanding the postponement of the 12th national parliamentary election. The notice referred to Article 123 of the Constitution, which provides an opportunity to postpone the election.

The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the 12th national election 52 days before the polling day, which is set for January 7. The legal notice called for the postponement of the announced schedule, citing the absence of major political parties in the election and pressure from foreigners.

When asked whether the notice was sent on behalf of BNP, the lawyer clarified that it was not, but rather in the public interest.

He emphasized the ongoing hartal in the country, resulting in loss of life and property, as a consideration for demanding the election's postponement.

As per the EC's announcement, the parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 7, with the last date for the submission of nomination papers on November 30, the selection of nomination papers from December 1-4, and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature on December 17. The allotment of symbols is set for December 18.

BDST: 0703 HRS, DEC 03, 2023 
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