RO, ARO offices to remain open on weekly, public holidays

The offices of Returning Officers (RO) and Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) will remain open on weekly and public holidays ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.

The Election Commission (EC) Secretariat, in a circular issued today, directed that following the announcement of the election schedule, the offices of RO, ARO, Regional Election Officer, Senior District/District Election Officer, and Upazila/Thana Election Officer must remain open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekly and public holidays. 

This is to ensure smooth implementation of the schedule and the presence of all concerned officials and staff, it said.

It further stated that, to facilitate the submission and scrutiny of nomination papers, disposal of appeals filed with the EC against scrutiny or acceptance, withdrawal of candidature, allocation of election symbols, and completion of related tasks, necessary arrangements must be made to keep the aforementioned offices open on weekly and public holidays. 

If required, these offices should also remain open beyond regular office hours until all election-related activities are completed.

However, it has been specifically mentioned that on the last day fixed for submission of nomination papers and the last day fixed for withdrawal of candidature, no nomination paper shall be submitted or accepted after 5:00pm, nor shall any candidate be allowed to withdraw candidature after that time.