Increasing regulatory steps making process more complex: BNP during meeting with EC
Earlier in the morning, the EC held a meeting with seven political parties, including Jamaat and NCP, which ended at 1:30pm
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said candidates are now required to submit a declaration form, which did not exist before.
The more the EC increases regulatory complications, the more complex the process will become, he added during a meeting with the Election Commission at the EC Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, today (19 November).
Bangladesh is going through a critical period, and the role of the Election Commission is crucial at this time, said Moyeen.
He said they will participate in the election following all rules and regulations and will abide by the electoral code of conduct.
He urged that returning officers be appointed from among EC officials rather than appointing deputy commissioners (DCs) as returning officers.
He said, "Appoint returning officers and assistant returning officers from within the EC."
He also emphasised that religion should not be used in politics in any form.
Meanwhile, Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has demanded that the Election Commission (EC) refrain from holding dialogues with the Jatiya Party and other "collaborators of authoritarian rule," and that they should not be given the opportunity to contest in the election.
He also said that no adviser of the interim government should be allowed to participate in the 13th National Election, and urged the EC to ensure such measures are implemented.
Ahead of the upcoming 13th National Election, the Election Commission (EC) has begun dialogue with five political parties, including the BNP.
A three-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan, arrived at the Election Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, to join the talks around 2:15pm today (19 November).
The other participating parties are Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal–BASAD Marxist (newly registered party).
Bangladesh Jatiya Party (JaPa) was invited to the meeting, but they did not show up.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin delivered the opening remarks at the beginning of the dialogue.
The CEC said, "We are committed to carrying out our duties impartially, and we will continue to do so. For a fair and peaceful election, we seek your cooperation. We hope you will play a role in encouraging the public to come to the polling centres."
Earlier in the morning, the EC held a meeting with seven political parties, including Jamaat and NCP, which ended at 1:30pm.
