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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

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From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Election Commission (EC) in Bangladesh is preparing for local government elections, including a mock voting exercise.
  • Key preparations include data, infrastructure, voter lists, polling centers, election materials, and training for election officials.
  • The EC has also requested the removal of unauthorized shops near its headquarters to prevent irregularities in National Identity Card services.

Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) is actively preparing for upcoming local government elections, with Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirming that essential components are in place. A mock voting session is planned to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Ahmed stated that the commission possesses the necessary data and infrastructure, including a comprehensive voter list, established polling centers, and adequate election materials. He also outlined a phased approach to training election officials, beginning with "master trainers" who will then educate poll workers at various levels. This training will commence once the election schedule is officially announced.

We have a voters list, polling centres, and election materials. Candidates will also be there before the polls.

โ€” Akhtar AhmedThe EC Senior Secretary detailing the existing resources for the elections.

In addition to mock rehearsals, the EC is finalizing law enforcement deployment plans and budgeting. These preparatory tasks are crucial for ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the elections. The EC has also published a draft code of conduct for the five tiers of local government elections on its website and is actively seeking feedback from political parties and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the EC has taken steps to curb irregularities in National Identity Card (NID) services. It has requested the Dhaka North City Corporation and a local police station to evict unauthorized computer and photocopy shops operating near the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Eviction drives have reportedly already been conducted to prevent such shops from operating in the vicinity.

When the election schedule is announced, then we will complete the training gradually and phase by phase.

โ€” Akhtar AhmedExplaining the timeline for training election officials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.