Dhaka, Dec 08 (V7N) – A delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami met with the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to discuss finalizing the schedule for the 13th National Parliament elections and the referendum.

The meeting began at 11:30 am at the Election Commission (EC) building. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin chaired the meeting, with other election commissioners also in attendance. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar led a six-member delegation at the talks.

Earlier in the day at 10:30 am, representatives of the Bangladesh Administration Association also met the CEC. Last week, separate delegations from the BNP and the National Citizens Party (NCP) held discussions with the Election Commission regarding the upcoming polls.

Following the reconstitution of the Election Commission under the leadership of AMM Nasir Uddin in November, preparations for the 13th parliamentary elections have been progressing at a rapid pace. The addition of a referendum, announced by the government earlier to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls, has added a new dimension to the overall election preparations.

For the first time, the Election Commission has introduced postal voting for expatriate Bangladeshis. The chief advisor has already announced that voting will take place in the first half of February.

At present, more than 50 political parties are registered with the Election Commission. However, the Awami League will not take part in the upcoming election as its registration has been suspended.

END/SMA/AJ