Election Commissioner Begum Rashida Sultana today (November 20) said if BNP and other parties participate in the 12th national parliamentary elections, the Election Commission (EC) will consider polls reschedule.
In this case, the BNP has to inform officially about their intention to participate in the polls, she also said.
Begum Rashida Sultana was responding to the reporters at the Election Commission office in the capital.
Regarding the formal participation of BNP in the polls, she said, "We need to know if they want to come back to participate in the polls. They have come before with such intentions, and they got the opportunity. If they want to come back, we will welcome them. We never want them to come and then retreat. That won't happen."
She said, "If they decide to come, we, the commissioners, will sit. We will see the law. Then, whatever decision is made, we cannot say anything in advance."
When asked about the specifics of this consideration, the Election Commissioner said, "I won't say anything detailed now. If they come, we will consider it. We will discuss how to proceed if they want to come back. We will take a decision. If they decide, we will welcome them. We will not say anything in advance."
When asked about Japa's appeal to the President seeking more time for polls schedule, she said, "We will not say anything about this matter. We haven't reached the stage of saying anything in advance. When he comes, we will say what will happen. We will make a decision after observing the situation. We will not say anything in advance about this."
In response to another question, the Election Commissioner said, "Certainly, there is still room for a participatory election. Political unrest is prevailing on the ground, so it cannot be said that peace will not be restored. Peace can be restored at any moment."
She said to the parties, "Have faith in us. Come, vote. Undoubtedly, you will have the opportunity to cast your votes freely and independently. They will vote for whom they want. We will create a level playing field for them."
BDST: 1358 HRS, NOV 20, 2023
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