A total of 18 parties did not turn up for the Election Commission (EC)'s talks with 44 parties scheduled for today (4 November). 

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal oversaw the discussions taking place at the Election Commission building in Dhaka's Agargaon.

Thirteen registered political parties participated in the dialogue, while nine skipped the first session of talks about preparations for the upcoming 12th parliamentary election, involving all registered parties.

In the second session, nine more skipped while 13 attended. 

Speaking about the absent parties, CEC Awal said, "We gave little time for the dialogue. Some parties might have skipped due to the time constraints. If they wish, I will talk to the commission and we will try to sit and listen to them."

He said with the elections two months away, the EC had to move fast.

"We want to communicate with everyone. We want to inform everyone about the preparations we have made regarding the elections because political parties are the main stakeholders in democratic governance and elections."

The electoral environment was discussed today, with parties setting out some conditions that they would like to see for the polls.

Earlier, the National Democratic Movement (NDM) asked the EC not to announce the election schedule until a political consensus was reached.

The BNP-Jamaat and their allies consistently stressed their demand for the resignation of the ruling government and the formation of a caretaker government as a condition for their participation in the forthcoming general elections.

Conversely, the incumbent Awami League government unwaveringly affirmed that the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh will adhere to the constitution and be conducted under the AL government.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Congress demanded that people's opinions be given the utmost importance to foster an environment conducive to free, fair, impartial, and participatory elections.

After the meeting, Trinamool BNP Secretary General Taimur Alam Khandkar addressed the press, emphasising the commission's responsibility to bolster public confidence in the electoral process.

"We are carefully assessing the situation to determine the commission's effectiveness before deciding on our participation in the upcoming election," he said.

Awami League Presidium Member Muhammad Farooq Khan told the media he was optimistic that the elections will be fair.

"We are witnessing the realisation of commitments made by the Election Commission and implementation of measures by our government to ensure equitable elections. The reintroduction of a seal and signature system on the back of each ballot paper is a positive step in this direction," he said.

"Based on the information provided to us, I believe the election will be conducted fairly, in accordance with the constitution," he added.

Addressing concerns about potential electoral disruptions in certain areas, Farooq Khan said the Awami League has had a history of conducting orderly elections, asserting that voters would turn up. He suggested that parties lacking public support might voice such apprehensions.

When asked about the BNP's absence from the electoral process, Farooq Khan said, "It is not a constitutional or legal requirement to hold elections with their participation. We have seen many political parties worldwide opting out of elections, especially those without substantial public backing and confidence."

Responding to queries regarding BNP's political activities and programmes, Farooq Khan characterised their actions as rife with violence and terrorism, rather than typical political programmes.

"If any political party, individual, or institution acts against the law, our law enforcement forces have taken action against them, are taking action, and will continue to take action against them."

About the election environment, Farooq Khan claimed that the atmosphere is already quite positive and is expected to improve further.

"The Election Commission has committed to launching a substantial campaign to encourage voter participation, which I believe will boost turnout in the upcoming elections," he further added.

The EC has scheduled two dialogue sessions daily, with the first session starting at 10:30am and concluding at 1pm. The second session is set to run from 3pm to 4:30pm.

It invited the presidents and general secretaries of the parties or two representatives designated by them for this exchange.

However, the BNP and its allies, including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Biplobi Workers Party, Bangladesh Kallyan Party, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), collectively chose not to participate in the dialogue.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), operating independently without any alliance, also decided to boycott the EC's dialogue. 

Additionally, Islamic Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, among the Islamic parties, are refraining from participation.

Representing the Awami League in the dialogue are Presidium Member Lt. Col. (Retd) Farooq Khan and Information and Research Secretary Salim Mahmud, as confirmed by the party's Office Secretary Biplab Barua.

According to the constitution, parliamentary elections are mandated to be held within 90 days prior to the conclusion of the five-year parliamentary term. With the current parliament's term ending on 29 January, the 90-day countdown began on 1 November.

The EC expressed its intention to unveil the national election schedule in mid-November, with plans to hold the election in January.

In July 2022, the EC conducted a dialogue with political parties to establish an action plan for the 12th national elections. Notably, some political parties, including the BNP, abstained from participating in the talks.