Schedule in Nov, polls in Jan first week: EC Anisur

Election Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman has said the schedule for the upcoming general election will be announced in November and the polls will be held in the first week of January.

Speaking at a programme at Kishoreganj Circuit House yesterday, the election commissioner expressed hope that all political parties will take part in the national election.

"Whether or not all parties choose to participate [in the election] is not in our control. It is determined by the parties and their political decisions. However, we will create an environment conducive to elections," Anisur said.

Earlier in August also, Anisur Rahman said the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections will be declared in November.

"We usually announce the schedule with 40 to 45 days in hand. In this case, the schedule will be announced on any day of November," he told reporters at that time.

Regarding the BNP's movement centring on the upcoming election, Anisur Rahman said, "It is a political issue that falls outside our jurisdiction. We have repeatedly invited the BNP to participate, and our door remains open. We welcome them if they choose to participate. We hope all of these issues will be resolved as we want everyone's participation."

During his two-day visit in Kishoreganj, the commissioner said he has issued instructions over election-related works, including finalising the voter list and determining the election centres. 

"Any objections to these matters would be resolved," he added.

He also held a views-exchange meeting with the district administration and election officials at the district election office.