DHAKA, Nov 8, 2023 (BSS) -The 12th parliament election's schedule is likely
to be announced in the first half of the current month as the Election
Commission (EC) finds the prevailing situation favorable to go ahead with
election preparation.

"Favorable environment exists for announcement of the 12th parliament
elections scheduled in the first half of the current month. It is a tradition
to pay a courtesy call on President before announcement of polls schedule and
the EC has a schedule to do so tomorrow (Thursday)," said Election Commission
(EC) secretary Md Jahangir Alam today.

During the call on, the EC will apprise the President of the election
preparations, he said, adding that the EC will listen whether there are any
advices and instructions from the President.

"It is absolutely the EC's jurisdiction to announce polls schedule," he told
journalists at 'Nirbachan Bhaban' at Agargaon.

Jahangir Alam said EC's preparation is now at final state as it is telling
time and again that it is determined to hold the next national election
within the constitutional timeframe. The polls will be held in the last week
of December, 2023 or the first week of January next year, he added.

Replying to a question about foreign election observers, the EC secretary
said so far three foreign organizations have confirmed them (EC) through e-
mail. The organizations include - one from the USA that has already conducted
pre-assessment, he said, adding that recently a Commonwealth team seeks
appointment of the EC.

He said foreign observer organizations can still apply through Bangladesh
foreign ministry's selected cell as the last date for application is November
21. "Actual number of foreign observers can be known after that date," he
added.

Replying to another question, he said election materials will be sent to
district level in phases.

The EC secretary said adequate number of law enforcers will be deployed in
the field level during the election and the home ministry will issue circular
in this regard so that voters can cast their votes freely and in a fair
manner.