Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said national election schedule will be announced in the second week of December and the polls would be held within two months.
He said: “I want to assure you that the election schedule will be announced by the second week of this month. The election will be held within two months of the schedule’s announcement. We expect that the election is likely to take place in the second week of February, before Ramadan. This election will be the most free and fair in the country’s history.”
He made the comments while speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon at Narayanganj’s Bondor upazila, following his address as the chief guest at a daylong workshop titled “Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Polling Officials in the Election Process” held at the Saira Garden Resort.
Emphasizing the assurance of a free and fair election, Election Commissioner Anwarul said: “We have not left any scope for shortcomings in our preparations. All necessary measures have been taken to ensure a safe and festive environment for voters.”
Noting that an entire constituency’s voting may be cancelled if unrest occurs, he said: “If any disorder arises before the announcement of results, the presiding officer may close the polling centre. The returning officer may even cancel the polling of an entire constituency. Such authority has been granted to him.”
Highlighting the extensive authority vested in returning officers, Anwarul Islam said: “If any information is concealed in the affidavit during nomination submission, the candidate’s post may be annulled even after victory. Returning officers have been given extensive powers. Police officers have been given significant authority, and the armed forces have been vested with magistracy powers.”
Expressing the commitment to delivering a fair election, he added: “We hope the country will witness a well-conducted election. There will be no fear or apprehension. The Election Commission has taken all necessary preparations to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election.”
