Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday (Nov 26) said the national election schedule can be changed, if BNP decides to join it, but it doesn't mean deferring the polling date. “Our commissioners opined that if BNP joins the election, poll can be rescheduled to accommodate the party,” he told a press briefing at the Nirbachan Bhaban media centre in the city's Agargaon area, local media reported.
Replying to a query, the CEC said the EC would apply its all-out efforts to hold a peaceful, participatory, free, fair and neutral election and it won't go beyond its jurisdiction.
About deployment of army in polls, Awal said the commission will take decision at the final stage after discussion. If it is required to deploy army, the EC will go for it, he said.
As per the schedule for the 12th Jatiyo Sangsad election, the deadline for nomination form submission is Nov 30 and nomination forms will be scrutinized on Dec 1-4.
Timeframe for appealing to the EC against returning officers and settlement of appeals is on Dec 5-15 and last date for withdrawal of candidacy is Dec 17.
Returning officers will allocate election symbols on Dec 18 while election campaign can be carried out till 8 a.m. on Jan 5.
Voting will be held from Jan 7.
