Election preparations: BNP distances itself from 'no vote' revival during meeting with CEC
Those claiming that polls would not be held in February, only they know on what authority they are speaking, he says
The Election Commission's re-introduction of the 'no vote' option on ballots in the upcoming national election was not based on the BNP's demand, the party's Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said today (17 August).
"We did not propose this. It came following recommendations from some eminent persons. We have no opinion on what is being done now," he told journalists after holding a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.
The BNP delegation met the CEC at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon around 4pm, with the discussions wrapping up at 5:40pm.
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The BNP delegation also included the party chairperson's adviser Ismail Jabiullah and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Nazrul mentioned that the discussions mainly centred on the commission's overall preparations, including the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and measures to address law and order concerns.
Election timing
In response to a question about the election scheduled for February, Nazrul Islam Khan said that only those claiming the polls would not be held then know on what authority they are speaking, while the BNP is certain the election will take place in February.
"As far as we know, the election will be held in February. The chief adviser has said it will be held, and the Election Commission has made preparations. On what basis and under what authority they are saying otherwise, only they can explain," he said.
On the issue of voting rights for expatriates, this senior BNP leader said discussions were held on ensuring their participation.
Expatriates' vote
Efforts are underway to ensure the voting rights of expatriates who have NID and e-passports and BNP has requested that those with regular passports also be included in the voter list, he said, adding that advice has been given to ensure proper verification be carried out in the case of fake passports.
Regarding the delimitation of constituencies, the BNP leader said the Election Commission is working on the basis of geographical integrity, as well as the integrity of districts and upazilas, and voter numbers.
"According to the law, political parties cannot lodge complaints in this regard. Only aggrieved individuals are allowed to do so," he explained.
Regarding seat-sharing, he clarified, "We have not held any talks with any party regarding seat-sharing. Such discussions usually take place after the election schedule is announced."
On the issue of amending the electoral code of conduct, Nazrul Islam Khan further said the commission had sent its draft code to the BNP for opinion, which the party has provided.
"The EC is now reviewing those opinions," he added.
Law and order
The BNP Standing Committee member mentioned that the Election Commission expressed doubts about the law and order situation, "but assured that they are working to overcome it."
Those of us who are involved in politics must also try to ensure that the law and order situation does not deteriorate, he added.
He said the commission informed them of plans to deploy additional army personnel during the polls if necessary.
