Don't allow political programmes during 18 Dec-7 Jan: EC requests home ministry

The Election Commission on Tuesday (12 December) requested the home ministry not to allow any political programmes, including rallies, from 18 December to 7 January – until the 12th Jatiya Sangsad polls.

EC Deputy Secretary Md Atiar Rahman sent a letter in this regard to the senior secretary of the Public Security Division under the home ministry on Tuesday. 

In the letter, the commission requested the ministry not to allow any gatherings or political programmes which may discourage voting in the upcoming national elections.

"The voting day of the national polls is slated for 7 January next year. Campaigning for rival candidates will begin from 18 December. 

"From 18 December until the end of the polling period, it is mandatory to prevent everyone from accepting or implementing any meeting [or gathering], or any other political programme – except for election campaigning – which may hinder the electoral work or discourage voters from voting," the EC said in the letter

The commission's request comes as opposition parties that boycotted the election, including the BNP and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, plan to form an alliance by 17 December to engage in a non-cooperation movement before the elections.

According to the polls schedule announced by the commission in mid-November, candidates will have a short window to withdraw their nominations by 17 December.

The EC is currently reviewing the nomination papers, which were initially cancelled by respective Returning Officers (RO) of the constituencies.

In three days, a total of 168 candidates got back their candidacy.