EC plans televised addresses by party chiefs ahead of polls
BTV aims to complete the broadcast of the speeches between 9 and 10 February
The Election Commission (EC) is planning to air televised addresses by the leaders of parties contesting the 13th national parliamentary election and sent a letter to the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) to take necessary steps.
Speaking to The Business Standard, EC Public Relations Director Md Ruhul Amin Mollik said a proposal regarding speeches by party leaders has been submitted.
BTV Director General Md Mahbubul Alam said the guidelines related to broadcasting party leaders' speeches would be determined by the EC.
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The parliamentary election will be held on 12 February, with the campaign period ending at 7:30am on 10 February. BTV aims to complete the broadcast of the speeches between 9 and 10 February.
The BTV chief noted that although 51 parties are contesting, priority may be given to major parties, particularly those fielding a larger number of candidates, as accommodating speeches from all parties could be challenging.
EC officials said BTV would decide whether party chiefs or their representatives would deliver the addresses, considering factors such as which parties are contesting and how many constituencies they are competing in, in line with past practice.
Televised addresses by party leaders were aired in earlier elections, including the ninth parliamentary polls in 2008. On the final day of campaigning for that election, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia addressed the nation for more than half an hour each on 27 December.
The practice was also followed ahead of the 10th parliamentary election, but was discontinued before the 11th and 12th elections by the then Election Commission.
