EC yet to fix UP election date: Secy

The Election Commission (EC) has not yet taken a final decision on the date of the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections or whether members of the armed forces will be deployed during the polls.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters this at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday.

He said several proposals and views on the election schedule and other issues were discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting held on September 17. However, the commission has not yet taken any final decision on the matters.

Asked about the possible deployment of the armed forces, Akhtar said the issue would be considered later.

“Everyone wants a fair and orderly election. The necessary measures will be taken based on the situation,” he said.

Asked about State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shah Alam's recent statement that the local government elections would be completed between January and June, the EC secretary said the minister's statement had given the commission an indication of the possible timeframe.

“We can move forward with the remaining preparations based on this. I will place the matter before the commission,” he said.

Akhtar said the EC already has the voter list, election materials and polling centres in place.

He said the main task now was to consider local conditions and determine a suitable time for holding the elections.