Bangladesh News

Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Mahfuzur Rahman yesterday said the Election Commission (EC) is working in its own way to hold the next general election within 90 days as per the constitution.
“We are taking our preparation… Let us see what happens in future,” he said. There is a constitutional obligation to hold the election within 90 days set for the caretaker government, he added.

Mahfuzur Rahman was talking to newsmen at his office about preparations for the election amidst the 14-party and its allies’ ultimatum to meet the ‘prerequisites’ for a free and fail poll.

Asked about holding the election after the stipulated 90 days by amending the constitution, the acting CEC said, “Constitution can be amended by parliament. As there is no parliament now, it is a big problem.”

He declined to reply when asked about seeking time from the Supreme Court for holding the polls after 90 days. “It is a delicate question, I will not make any comment,” he said.

“Lets see what the political alliances say in this regard,” Mahfuzur Rahman said as reporters wanted to know whether it is possible to hold the election after expiry of the present tenure of the caretaker government if all political alliances reach a consensus on this.

On the possibility of changing the last date of submission of nominations for the elections due to the Awami League-led 14-party combine’s hartal programme tomorrow, the acting CEC said, “We are yet to think about it.”

Asked if the EC would take any initiative to bring the 14-party in the election process, he said, “It is the caretaker government which will have to take initiative in this regard.”

“What I can do alone?” he asked and sought cooperation of all parties in holding the polls.