Dhaka, Jan 09 (V7N)- The Election Commission (EC) has announced that hearings on appeals submitted in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections will be held from January 10 to January 18.

The decision was communicated to the concerned appellants through a directive issued on Friday (January 9), signed by Md. Arifur Rahman, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat.

According to the directive, the EC has imposed restrictions on entry during the appeal hearings to maintain order and ensure smooth proceedings. In each appeal case, a maximum of three individuals, including the appellant, will be allowed to enter the hearing room.

The directive stated that the measure has been taken to ensure discipline and uninterrupted conduct of the hearings.

Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum, the Election Commission has issued strict instructions to ensure the security and confidentiality of election materials, including ballot papers, official seals, and brass seals.

A circular in this regard was issued on Thursday night by the Election Management-2 Branch of the EC Secretariat. The circular instructed that once polling station-based election materials arrive, all forms, packets, envelopes, and related materials must be thoroughly verified in accordance with the checklist provided in an earlier circular.

It further stated that if any election material is found missing or damaged, the Senior District Election Officer or District Election Officer must be informed immediately and necessary action taken without delay.

The EC emphasized that these steps are crucial to ensuring a transparent, orderly, and credible election process.

END/SMA/AJ