BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule

BNP on Thursday placed three new election-related proposals before the Election Commission (EC) and said it has no objection to the EC announcing the election schedule in time.

A three-member BNP delegation led by Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Agargaon.

Talking to reporters after the nearly 90-minute meeting, Nazrul said BNP is not in favour the deferment of the national election unless there are unavoidable circumstances. “Therefore, BNP has no objection if the EC declares the poll schedule within its stipulated timeline.”

Asked whether Khaleda Zia’s illness might affect the election, Nazrul said, “We expect she will recover and return to us soon, and be able to participate in election-related activities.”

Regarding Tarique Rahman’s voter status, he said, “He is a Bangladeshi citizen. There is no barrier to him becoming a voter. The Commission can enrol him anytime it wishes.”

Nazrul said the BNP proposed increasing the number of polling booths, marking places, and ballot seals for the upcoming 13th national election.

“We want every voter in the country to have the opportunity to cast their vote. The number of voters has increased significantly compared to the previous election, so we made this proposal. This time, a national referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary election, which will add additional pressure. The Commission will give its decision on Sunday,” he said.

BNP also urged the EC to allow expatriate Bangladeshis without National ID cards to register as voters using their passports. “If needed, the Commission can verify passports. Many expatriates do not have NIDs. They should be given the opportunity to register with their passports,” Nazrul noted.

To ensure transparency in the election, BNP reiterated its objection to printing ballot papers at any non-government institution.

“At present, ballot papers are printed at three government facilities. BNP insists that no private institution be given this responsibility,” he said.

The other members of the BNP delegation were Ismail Jabiuallah, member of the party’s EC-related committee and former secretary, and Md Zakaria, former election commissioner and BNP EC-related committee member.