The Election Commission has instructed the health ministry to ensure the presence of medical teams at polling stations to handle any unexpected incidents during the 13th national election, said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
After an inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday at the EC Secretariat, Akhtar informed the press that the medical teams would be stationed in clusters, allowing for swift responses when necessary.
A total of 32 secretaries from various ministries and departments participated in the meeting to discuss preparatory measures for the upcoming election, slated for the first half of February next year.
Akhtar further stated that the Ministry of Education has been advised to ensure that the schedules for the SSC or HSC exams, which take place in February, do not overlap with the election dates.
The EC senior official also highlighted various practical issues related to the establishment and maintenance of polling stations.
“We have requested relevant departments to repair and maintain the polling stations and their access routes,” he said. “Although the weather in February is expected to be favourable, it is important to ensure accessibility to these centres well in advance.”
Additionally, Akhtar mentioned that the Local Government Division, Directorate of Primary Education, and Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education have been instructed to prepare educational institutions to use them as polling stations ahead of time.
Regarding the appointment of polling officers, the official said the EC is forming a comprehensive panel of presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers, which will include teachers from government schools and colleges as well as officials from state-owned banks.
“We aim to ensure the election is conducted by impartial and capable officials,” he added.
The official also mentioned that transportation management was discussed during the meeting, especially in remote areas. Local authorities have been urged to ensure helicopter landing facilities to facilitate transportation in difficult-to-reach regions.
The meeting also addressed electoral campaigns and public awareness activities. Discussions took place on the role of the Ministry of Information and Bangladesh Television (BTV) in leading these efforts. The EC plans to use Parliament TV’s airtime and BTV News flash messages to increase voter awareness.
The foreign ministry has been urged to expedite visa processing for foreign observers, Akhtar Ahmed.
At the meeting, a representative from the Bangladesh Bank mentioned that they would need 4-5 days to update and provide information regarding loan defaulters. The EC agreed to grant them the required time.
On budget allocation, Akhtar Ahmed mentioned that the Finance Division has been asked for cooperation, but all ministries and agencies have been instructed to adopt cost-saving measures. It was also advised that unnecessary expenditure be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Law and order management was another key point of discussion. The home and public administration ministries have been requested to ensure the proper appointment of executive and judicial magistrates during the election period.
On electricity supply, the EC emphasised the need to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during both voting and vote counting.
Regarding the inclusion of the “Shapla Koli” symbol in the list of available election symbols for political parties and candidates, Akhtar Ahmed explained that this decision is not influenced by anyone’s demands, clarifying that there is a distinction between “Shapla” and “Shapla Kali”.
When asked about the frequent visits from political parties to the EC with various demands, and whether the EC felt pressured, the official responded, “The fact that parties come to the EC does not mean we are under pressure. It would be completely unfounded to think of it in that way.”
