EC plans to begin dialogues from Sept 28
The Election Commission (EC) plans to begin public dialogues from September 28 ahead of the 13th national election.
The discussions will involve civil society, political parties, women representatives, and election experts, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at the commission's headquarters in Dhaka today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "As part of our planning, we've already progressed with several tasks. One important aspect is public engagement," he said.
"We will gradually initiate discussions with various groups, including civil society, academics, women leaders, journalists, political parties, election experts, and freedom fighters," he added.
The EC secretary said, "The Commission has initially decided to start the dialogue on the 28th of September."
Akhtar also said the Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with the reserved list of electoral symbols, has been returned to the commission after vetting by the law ministry.
On the amendment of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, he said the proposal is currently pending with the legislative division of the ministry.
"We still hope to receive it very soon," he added.
Speaking about preparations, he said: "Our electoral preparations will continue gradually, and we will maintain communication until a fair and successful election is achieved."
On the issue of electoral symbols, Akhtar clarified that the National Citizen Party (NCP) will not be allocated the "Shapla" (Water Lily) symbol.
"The reason is that our list includes 115 reserved symbols, and Shapla is not among them. The rule is that a symbol must be selected from the reserved list. If the Shapla isn't on that list, then where is the opportunity to allocate it?" he said.
He added that the NCP must now submit an alternative proposal, and a final decision would be made with mutual agreement.
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