The Election Commission (EC) has finalised and announced its roadmap for the next one and a half years, aiming for an all-inclusive parliamentary polls.

The commission, to overcome the challenges surrounding the next general polls, has decided to cap the use of EVMs (electronic voting machines) in a maximum of 150 constituencies. 

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will oversee the 12th parliamentary election due between late 2023 and early 2024.

The commission has approved its work plan for the national elections, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir told reporters at the EC Bhaban in Dhaka on Wednesday.

He said, "The 12th national elections will be held at the end of December 2023 or in the first week of January 2024.

"The exact schedule will be announced in November next year."

As CEC Awal could not attend today's (14 September) programme due to sickness Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Ahsan Habib Khan spoke as the chief guest.

He said, "The only objective of the announced roadmap is to organise a free, fair, acceptable and participatory election for all. We are hopeful that all political parties will participate in the next polls despite their differences on various issues."

"We are facing a lot of questions and there is indeed a lack of trust. But with our actions, I believe, we have started to move in the right direction of gaining confidence.

"The roadmap will help us elevate our sense of accountability and responsibility," he added.

The primary objectives outlined by the EC for the upcoming general polls are – 

• The active and willing participation of all registered political parties of the country 
• Ensuring transparency by making available all necessary information regarding the commission's election-related activities online for the public, having adequate number of local and foreign observers, and freedom of electronic and print media 
• Making the election impartial by equal treatment to all candidates, appointment of better qualified and neutral EC employees as returning, presiding and assistant presiding officers, and strict disciplinary action against those found to be biased 
• Offer an acceptable election by ensuring the commission's actions are in line with the constitution and law of the country and the election results are satisfactory to all voters and political parties 
• Achieve fairness by keeping the law and order situation across the country favourable before, and on election day as well as make sure that all the candidates and their supporters abide by the electoral code of conduct and have equal opportunity to campaign and ensure swift action against violators