Election Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman on Tuesday said that ballot papers will reach voting centres on the morning of the 12th national election.
“The schedule of the national polls will be announced in November, with voting set for January,” he said during a smart card distribution event in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur.
“This time, ballot papers will be sent to the centres on the morning of election day," said the election commissioner, adding that despite having CCTV cameras in elections for the past 19 months, the general election might not have them.
"However, an app is under development by the Election Commission, allowing real-time voting updates,” he added.
Anisur also urged political parties to participate in the national election.
“Political parties should be interested in participatory elections. No one can be forcefully made to participate. If some parties decide not to join, it is not our responsibility, but we do invite all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat Director General (NID wing) AKM Humayun Kabir said smart cards can be used for all purposes.
“Those who have not received their smart cards yet, rest assured, you will get it,” he added.
The smart card project director, Abul Hasanat Mohammad Sayem, said: "The smart card is a crucial document. It has been distributed to 7.6 million people across 385 upazilas.
Gazipur Election Officer AHM Kamrul Hasan said: "As of July this year, the total number of voters in Sreepur upazila stands at 390,711. Out of these, 285,000 will receive their smart cards. Some voters may not receive their cards immediately due to pending prints caused by data complexities."
