EC to take steps for local polls between Jan-June based on situation

The Election Commission will take necessary steps to hold local government elections between January and June based on the prevailing situation and requirements, EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Thursday.

‘Considering the reality, the Election Commission will take the necessary steps to hold local government elections between January and June. The measures required will be taken in this regard,’ he said.

The EC secretary was responding to questions from reporters after a meeting with a UNESCO delegation at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.

Asked about the commission’s plan following state minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam’s remarks that local government elections would be held from January to June, Akhtar said the EC had not yet taken any final decision.

He said the commission would take whatever measures were necessary based on the situation and requirements for holding the elections.

Asked whether the armed forces would be deployed to ensure free and fair local government elections, Akhtar said it was too early to make any decision.

Referring to the parliamentary election held on February 12, he said, ‘That has created our benchmark of expectations. So, will we raise that benchmark further or lower it? We will certainly raise it.’

FP/R