DHAKA: Rejecting Jatiya Oikyafront’s proposal, the Election Commission (EC) said the 11th parliamentary polls cannot be deferred more and will be held on December 30.

EC secretary Helaluddin Ahmed made the remarks at a press conference in Agargaon EC building on Thursday (Nov 15).

He said, “There are other programs and activities such as gazette publication on polls results and holding by-polls to manage after the national election. Moreover, the Biswa Ijtema 2019 will be held in January where 30 to 40 lakh people will gather in Dhaka amid tight security. That is why there is no scope to delay the election to hold after December 30.”

He also said EC is an independent and constitutional institution. It never accepted any decision made by others. The political parties only advise as stakeholders.

In response to a question, secretary Helaluddin said, “We will invite foreign observers to come and watch over the election.”

On the issue of political parties’ election participation as coalitions, he said, “BNP, Awami League and Jatiya Oikyafront have already informed the commission about their respective coalitions. They can contest with party symbols as per law. Unregistered parties can also participate in polls with symbols provided by registered parties.”

On the issue of army deployment, Helaluddin said, “We have instructed the Assistant Returning Officers that army will be deployed countrywide within some two to ten days prior to Voting Day.”

Election will be held on December 30. The deadline for nomination paper submission is Nov 28 while the last date of scrutinizing nominations papers is Dec 2 and candidacy withdrawal is Dec 9.

BDST: 1735 HRS, NOV 15, 2018
AP/SMS