EC invites BNP again to hold dialogue ahead of national polls

The Election Commission has invited BNP for a dialogue again as part of its ongoing program to sit with all registered political parties ahead of the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming parliamentary polls on November 4. 

The constitutional body has written to BNP as well as other registered parties to participate in the dialogue. 

The director of EC’s public relation sent a letter to BNP on Wednesday.

Earlier, the EC had written to the opposition party to sit for dialogue. Besides, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has also sent a DO letter (demi- official letter) for dialogue. 

However, BNP did not respond to EC's call. Instead, they want to reconstruct the EC.

In the letter sent to the BNP secretary general, it is said: "According to the provisions of Article 123 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, due to the expiry of the term of the 11th National Parliament, there is an obligation to complete the election of the 12th National Parliament by January 28." 

A discussion meeting has been organized on November 4 with the main participants of the polls, including the progress of preparations for the 12th national parliament election, with the registered political parties, the letter said.

The letter also said: “CEC Kazi Habibul Awal will preside over the meeting and the election commissioners will be present in the meeting. The commission has requested the honourable president and general secretary of the party or two suitable representatives nominated by the party to participate in that meeting.”

The dialogue will be split into two halves as the EC will meet 22 parties including Awami League in the morning and the 22 others including BNP in the afternoon.

The EC is likely to announce the election schedule in mid-November and it is likely to be held at the beginning of January.

The countdown for the 12th National Parliamentary elections began on Wednesday.