The Election Commission plans to complete the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections before 6 June next year, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said on Thursday.
He said the commission reached the decision following a preparatory meeting with representatives from various ministries, divisions, and authorities at the Election Commission Building in Agargaon.
The meeting discussed preparations for the by-election to the Thakurgaon-1 constituency of the 13th National Parliament as well as the upcoming local government elections.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting. Other election commissioners and senior officials from different ministries, divisions and government authorities were also present.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Sanaullah said all participants agreed that the UP polls should be completed before the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, scheduled to be held before 6 June next year.
“Regarding the local government elections, particularly the Union Parishad elections, everyone at today’s meeting agreed that we have to complete this election before the HSC examinations, that is, before 6 June next year,” he said.
Sanaullah said education-related issues were given particular attention during the meeting.
“The negative effects of the floods on different levels of secondary education are now being overcome. At the same time, we have been requested to ensure that the examinations are not disrupted,” he said.
He noted that teachers assigned to election duties would need at least a week for training coordination and related preparations.
However, he said teachers should also be given adequate time to complete their assessment work and other academic responsibilities so that the examinations are not affected.
“We have said these issues must certainly be taken into consideration, and we will address them,” Sanaullah said.
The commission still has two or three related tasks to complete, he said, adding that budget planning would also be finalised soon.
“Once these are completed, the specific date will be announced as soon as possible,” the election commissioner said.
The meeting also reviewed the deployment of law enforcement agencies and the use of technology for the Thakurgaon-1 by-election.
Sanaullah said all relevant security forces would be deployed during the election.
“All relevant forces, starting from the army, will be present in this election,” he said.
