The Election Commission (EC) has said local government elections may start in January next year, with the schedule expected to be announced in November.
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing at the EC office in Agargaon, Dhaka.
He said the commission is considering holding elections after public examinations to avoid disruption. “As annual exams are scheduled in November–December, elections will not be held then. We hope to begin the polls in January,” he added.
Replying to a question, Anwarul said the EC had earlier announced possible dates but later found annual exams were starting in all educational institutions. Floods had also delayed exams and other academic activities.
“So the EC is planning elections by considering all aspects — Ramadan, Eid, Puja, SSC and HSC exams,” he said.
In response to another query, Anwarul stressed the commission had not postponed dates under government pressure. “Rather, the commission announces dates based on reality, law and the Constitution,” he said.
He added that the EC wants to act strictly within the law and Constitution. “The commission has never worked under anyone’s pressure. The only consideration was to ensure that young students’ studies are not disrupted,” he said.
