Dhaka, Dec 16 (V7N) – The government has issued a circular directing all relevant authorities to assist the Election Commission (EC) in conducting the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and the accompanying referendum in a fair and orderly manner. The circular, released on Monday by the Cabinet Division, was signed by Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid. Copies have been sent to senior secretaries, departmental heads, top law enforcement officials, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, upazila nirbahi officers, and directors of secondary, primary, madrasa, and technical education departments.

The circular emphasizes that the election and referendum will take place on February 12, and the Election Commission has already undertaken all necessary preparations. At the EC Secretariat’s request, the government will implement necessary measures to maintain law and order during the electoral process.

It instructs all ministries, divisions, and governmental, semi-governmental, autonomous, and semi-autonomous offices to appoint presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers from their staff, and, in certain cases, from private offices as well. A significant number of teachers from public, government-aided, and private educational institutions may also be assigned election duties. Buildings and furniture of educational institutions can be used as polling centers and for other election-related activities.

The circular states that officials performing election duties while in service must follow the directives of the EC and the relevant returning officers, giving election responsibilities priority over regular duties. Compliance with lawful instructions from the returning officer is mandatory.

According to Article 126 of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, assisting the EC in conducting elections is a mandatory duty for all. Furthermore, under Section 446 of the Representation of the People Order, no officer or employee mentioned in the order can be transferred to another position without EC approval from the announcement of the election schedule until 15 days after results are declared.

The circular outlines three measures to ensure smooth election conduct:

  1. All ministries, divisions, and departments must immediately instruct their officers and employees to perform election duties impartially and support the EC.

  2. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Primary and Mass Education must issue similar directives to teachers of public, government-aided, and private educational institutions.

  3. To ensure uninterrupted election management, all ministries, divisions, and organizations must refrain from granting leave, transferring, or assigning duties that could hinder personnel involved in election tasks until the election process is completed.

This directive aims to guarantee a transparent, orderly, and efficient election and referendum process, reinforcing the legal framework and administrative preparedness for the February 12 polls.

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