Speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting with senior officials of law enforcement and local government departments in Barishal on Saturday (October 18) afternoon, the CEC said, “The work plan for the 13th National Parliamentary Election has been set for the first half of February. Accordingly, the election schedule will be announced in the first half of December.”
Addressing recent developments in national politics, CEC Nasir Uddin stated that the Awami League has been barred from all political activities pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. “The Awami League will not be able to participate in the elections before the trial is completed. If the trial concludes before the elections, then the situation will be reviewed,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) demand for allocation of the Shapla (water lily) symbol, the CEC clarified, “There is no opportunity to allocate the Shapla symbol, as it is not included in the Election Commission’s approved list. We cannot act outside the law.”
He also emphasized the independence and neutrality of the Election Commission, asserting, “The Election Commission will not be influenced by any intelligence agency.”
The meeting, held at 3:30 p.m., was attended by Barishal Divisional Commissioner Md. Raihan Kawsar, deputy commissioners of six districts, and senior officials from the administration and law enforcement agencies.
Earlier in the day, at around 10 a.m., the Chief Election Commissioner held a separate views-exchange session with election officials from the Barishal Division regarding preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
