EC is working to hold free and fair election: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said the Election Commission is working to hold a free fair and acceptable election in the country.

"We are trying to hold a free, fair and credible election slated for January 7," he made the comments when European Union (EU) delegation met him in Dhaka on Wednesday, reports BSS.

Ambassador of Seven European countries including EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley met the CEC at the latter's office.

Awal said, "Commissioners of the EC have been visiting across the country for two weeks and talked to civil administrations and people to ensure a free and fair election."

The EU delegation expressed their satisfaction over the preparation and initiatives of the EC to hold a free and fair election, he added. "We are obliged to hold the next general election in time constitutionally. I do believe they (the EU delegation) have understood our constitutional obligation to hold the polls in time," the CEC said.

According to the EC, as per the schedule for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election, the deadline for nomination form submission is November 30 and nomination forms will be scrutinized on December 1-4.

Timeframe for appealing to the EC against returning officers and settlement of appeals is on December 5-15 and last date for withdrawal of candidacy is December 17.

Returning officers will allocate election symbols on December 18 while election campaign can be carried out till 8am on January 5.