Dhaka, Feb 11 (V7N) – The Election Commission (EC) is actively preparing for the 13th National Assembly elections, scheduled for December this year. However, the commission indicated that local government elections could be held on a limited scale before the national polls if the interim government makes such a request.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah made this announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with 18 development partner countries, including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

"The Election Commission has been preparing for the National Assembly elections since December this year. The commission does not see any challenges regarding the elections," said Commissioner Sanaullah. He emphasized that local government elections are not feasible before the national polls unless the government explicitly directs otherwise. “However, if the government wants, the commission will be forced to hold local government elections before the national elections,” he added.

Earlier in the day, ambassadors from 18 development partner countries and UNDP representatives met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and other commissioners to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections. The UNDP has been providing technical and capacity-building support for the voter list update program.

UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Liller stressed the importance of free, impartial, and fair elections in Bangladesh, aligning with the timeline set by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led a three-member delegation to meet with Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening. Party standing committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin accompanied him.

Following the meeting, Fakhrul told reporters that the interim government is working towards organizing national elections as soon as possible. “The Chief Advisor and his team assured us that they are committed to holding elections by December,” Fakhrul stated. He further emphasized that the BNP will not accept any local elections before the national elections, signaling the party's strong stance on prioritizing national polls.

In a subsequent press conference, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam clarified the interim government's position on the election schedule. “The government has no objection to holding national elections by next December if all political parties agree,” he said, suggesting a flexible approach contingent on political consensus.

Since taking office, the current Election Commission has consistently maintained that it is working under the guidance of the Chief Advisor regarding the election process. The preparations for the 13th National Assembly elections have been closely monitored by international partners and local political stakeholders, reflecting the significance of the upcoming polls in shaping the future political landscape of Bangladesh.

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