Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday (June 21) said the schedule for the next national parliamentary elections will be announced at the appropriate time as the Election Commission (EC) is working according to a prepared action plan.

He said, “You will know about the election date in due time. We will announce the schedule accordingly — InshaAllah.” 

The CEC was talking to reporters after inaugurating a two-day training programme on electoral laws and regulations at the Election Training Institute in Dhaka.

When asked about the timeline and planning for the upcoming election, the CEC clarified, “We are working according to an ‘action plan’. Many call it a roadmap, but we prefer to describe it as an action plan.”

He said that every office functions with an action plan, and the EC is no exception, especially with a national election ahead. 

“Since assuming office, we have been operating under a comprehensive action plan,” he said.

Responding to a separate query, the CEC said that communication with the government takes place as needed, both formally and informally. 

“There is no requirement for a formal declaration in this regard,” he added.

The training programme is being attended by officials from the EC Secretariat and the Election Training Institute. Four election commissioners, the senior EC secretary, and other senior officials were present at the opening ceremony.

Commenting on the EC’s engagement with ongoing institutional reforms, the CEC said the commission is contributing to government-led initiatives, including those recommended by the Reform Commission.

“We are moving forward while keeping all these factors in mind. When the time is right, everything will be made clear,” he assured.

SMS/