Dhaka, Jan 13 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has directed that all types of elections of professional, educational, and other organizations across the country be suspended until February 12, in order to ensure a free, fair, and influence-free 13th National Parliament election and referendum.

The directive was issued through a letter signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Election Management-2 Branch of the EC Secretariat, on Monday (January 12).

According to the letter, the 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be held on February 12, and the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to prevent any form of disruption, chaos, or undue influence during the election period.

The EC instructed that elections of all professional organizations, including educational institutions, transport owners’ and workers’ associations, journalists’ associations, business and merchants’ associations (chambers of commerce), cooperative societies, trade unions, and all other registered or unregistered organizations, must remain suspended until the national polls are completed.

The commission further stated that elections of the aforementioned organizations may only be held after February 12, emphasizing that the restriction is aimed at maintaining a calm and neutral environment during the parliamentary election process.

The EC believes that organizing elections of local or professional bodies during this period could create unwanted influence or instability, potentially affecting the overall electoral atmosphere.

It is notable that the 13th National Parliament election and the referendum are scheduled to be held on the same day—February 12.

END/SMA/AJ