Election day to be observed as public holiday

Election commissioner Abul Fazl Md Sanaullah has said that election day will be observed as a public holiday, and the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election will be announced within this week.

He said the decision was made following review meetings on issues relating to the schedule, referendum matters, and pre- and post-poll operations. Based on the decision, a letter will be sent to BTV on Monday so that they may record the announcement. Meetings at field level will be held in the evening on the day the schedule is declared.

To enforce the electoral code of conduct, two magistrates will be deployed in every upazila from the day of the announcement. The number of magistrates will increase five days before the voting date. Banks and post offices will remain operational on election day depending on the EC’s needs. He also stated that after the schedule is announced, the advisory council will not be permitted to approve any new development projects.