DHAKA, Nov 29, 2023 (BSS) - Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul 
Awal today 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 with him 
here. 
 
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.