Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam has said the gathering in front of BNP headquarters by nomination aspirants and activists does not violate election regulations.He made the comment while addressing the press at the Election Commission Office in Agargaon on Tuesday night
"It is not a violation of the election code of conduct as people are coming to take the nomination form from their party headquarters. For example, if there are three people from each constituency coming to collect nomination forms with at least two of their supporters, then the number adds up to 2,700 people. This is quite normal,” the election commissioner said.
“If the press decides to term this gathering as a violation of the electoral code of conduct, then they will be lying to the general people of Bangladesh. This will also be unjust for the parties participating in the upcoming general polls," he added.
Similarly on November 10, EC Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed, in response to the question of Awami League violating electoral code of conduct with mass rallies and public gatherings in front of their party office while selling nomination forms, said: "Any election in our country is like a festival. As per the regulations set by the Election Commission, no party can conduct official rallies and public gatherings in public places. But as all the parties are selling nomination forms centrally, it does not violate our regulations."
As per new directives, the 11th general election will be held across Bangladesh on December 30, instead of December 23.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda announced the new date while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of an electronic voting machine (EVM) exhibition at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Monday.
Adhering to the new timetable, candidates must file their nomination papers either online, or manually, by November 28.
The new last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 9, and returning officers will scrutinize the nomination papers on December 2.
