EC meets to set schedule for national election, referendum

The Election Commission (EC) is holding a meeting to fix the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and a national referendum expected to take place simultaneously in February next year.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, began at the EC headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon around 10:45am on Sunday.

It follows earlier discussions with law-enforcing agencies and several ministries as part of the commission’s preparations.

As in previous years, EC officials are due to meet with President Md Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban on Dec 10 to brief the him on overall preparations. The CEC is expected to announce the schedule after that.

Sunday’s meeting is reviewing several matters, including the steps required before and after the announcement of the schedule in line with relevant laws and procedures. The EC is also assessing progress in preparations for both the referendum and the general election.

All four election commissioners, the EC secretary and other relevant officials are attending the meeting.