EC bars no party from joining polls: EC Masud

As the Election Commission (EC) gears up to hold the national elections, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has said the Commission is not barring any registered political party from participating in the polls.

“Those who are allowed in line with the laws can submit (nomination papers) to the Election Commission. And the returning officers will scrutinise these. Usually, we have not barred anyone,” he said, replying to a question whether all registered political parties will be allowed to join the upcoming polls.

Rahmanel Masud said this while speaking to reporters at his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday, December 9.

He, however, confirmed that ‘boat’, the electoral symbol of Bangladesh Awami League, whose registration remains suspended, will not be on the ballot papers.

The Election Commissioner said the law and order situation will gradually improve after the election schedule is announced.

He said the matter of ensuring a level playing field will fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.

Rahmanel Masud said no preparatory work remains unfinished to declare the election schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum to be held in early February 2026.

The Election Commission earlier said the election schedule would be announced by this week.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin met Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed today ahead of the upcoming election.

The CEC and four election commissioners are also scheduled to go to Bangabhaban to meet the President on Wednesday, December 10.

Source: UNB