Dhaka, Nov 16 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) continued its series of dialogues with registered political parties on Sunday as part of preparations for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections.

On the second day of discussions, the EC met with six parties — Gano Forum, Gano Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) and Bangladesh Jatiya Party. The session ran from 10am to 12 noon.

After a two-hour break, the EC is scheduled to hold another round of discussions with six more parties: Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Trinamool BNP, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. This phase will continue until 4pm.

Earlier, the EC held talks with 12 parties in the first phase on Thursday.

BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and other registered parties are expected to join the dialogue in subsequent phases. The Awami League, however, has not been invited, as its political activities remain banned.

At present, 53 political parties are registered with the EC. The registration of the Awami League is suspended, while that of the Freedom Party, United Citizens' Movement and PDP has been cancelled.

END/SMA/AJ