The Election Commission is open to considering rescheduling the January 7 parliamentary polls if the BNP and other parties decide to participate in them, Commissioner Rashida Sultana said on Monday.
In this scenario, the BNP is required to formally inform the Election Commission about its intention to join the election, she said in response to queries at her office at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka.
Rashida Sultana said: “Have confidence in us. You (BNP) will get a free, fair, and peaceful election where everyone will get a chance to exercise their franchise freely. If they (BNP) express formal interest, the Election Commission is open to creating space through discussions.”
She stressed the Election Commission's willingness to welcome parties back into the electoral process, reinforcing the idea that once a decision is made to participate, they will not be turned away.
The election commissioner reiterated the Election Commission's desire for a well-conducted election with the participation of all parties.
The Election Commission announced the schedule on November 15, a decision that was rejected by the BNP and like-minded parties, which have been enforcing hartals and blockades demanding the resignation of the government and the EC.
In response to questions about the political situation, Rashida Sultana said: "Surely there is still space for participatory elections. I don't need to tell you whether it is calm or turbulent when there is a division in politics. You can see it. People can see it. But although there is turmoil right now, there is no saying that it will not be calm. The situation can calm down at any moment.”
According to the schedule, nomination papers can be submitted until November 30, with the selection process scheduled from December 1 to 4. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is December 17.
Symbols will be allotted on December 18, with 14 days allocated for the submission of nomination papers and 19 days for campaigning. The campaigning period is set to conclude 48 hours before polling, providing an opportunity for candidates to campaign from December 18 to January 5.
Responding to questions about the BNP's potential return to the polls, Rashida Sultana referred to previous instances where opportunities were provided, stressing that decisions would be made in accordance with the law.
She said the commission wants to organize an inclusive election.
Referring to the 2018 election, Rashida Sultana mentioned that space was created for parties like the BNP, emphasizing that the commission would follow the law while making provisions for their participation.
However, she refrained from providing detailed information, stating that discussions and decisions would be made if the BNP decides to return.
Addressing concerns raised by the Jatiya Party about the last day for filing returns coinciding with the last day for filing nominations, Rashida Sultana refrained from making premature statements.
She assured that decisions would be made based on the evolving situation. “If there is a need to extend the time, we will extend it for sure.”
