EC extends voting hours, poll schedule by Dec 15

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to extend the voting duration by one hour for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. As per the new decision, voting will begin at 7:30am and continue until 4:30pm. Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah shared this information after a review meeting held on Sunday, December 7.

The EC stated that based on mock voting experiences, it was observed that establishing two secret booths in each polling station would reduce the necessity of setting up additional polling centres. However, due to insufficient infrastructure in many rural centres, the Commission is leaning toward extending voting hours. Usually voting takes place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but this time the schedule has been shifted earlier and the total duration has been extended.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Sanaullah further informed that the election schedule will be announced between December 8 and 15. In connection with the announcement, preparations are underway to record the speech of the Chief Election Commissioner for broadcast on BTV.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin presided over the meeting held at Agargaon, Dhaka. Other election commissioners, EC secretary, and relevant officials were also present.