Bangladesh
National Elections National elections by the end of 2023 or early 2024: CEC
Dhaka, October 8: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said that the 12th National Assembly elections will be held in the last quarter of next year or the beginning of 2024. He advised the District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to work without party affiliation in this election.
He gave this suggestion in a meeting with the DCs and Superintendents of Police of 61 districts of the country on the occasion of Zilla Parishad elections at the Agargaon election building in the capital on Saturday (October 8).
In addition to Chief Election Commissioner, other Commissioners, Secretary of Election Commission, Senior Secretary of Public Security Department of Home Ministry, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were present in the meeting. The District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police are the main administrative units of the state, the top officials of the district administration. By virtue of office, they perform important duties from the people. They must have realized the importance of forming the government and local government through elections in a democratic governance system.
The CEC said that the election is an ongoing process as per the constitution and various laws. Although parliamentary elections are held every five years, various local government elections are held every year for one reason or another. For example, Zilla Parishad elections will be held on the 17th. Then there are two by-elections to the National Assembly. The 12th National Parliament general election will be held in the last quarter of next year or the beginning of 2024.
CEC said, you have to be strictly duty-conscious about the upcoming 12th National Parliament General Election. Under no circumstances should your actions and behavior reflect anything that would lead people to think that you are working for a particular party. Free, fair and peaceful elections should be ensured to support the exercise of free voting rights of the people. You will perform duties with utmost professionalism from neutrality.
He advised the DC-SPs to perform their duties in the light of the constitution, laws and regulations and said that they will exercise the necessary powers. Maintain favorable election environment by maintaining law and order at any cost.
Habibul Awal said that minimum laxity cannot be shown in the performance of duties, Election Commission will be strict in carrying out the duties assigned to it and exercising its powers.
