Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC), has urged both the public and media outlets to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information regarding the schedule and polling date of the forthcoming national election. His remarks, made to journalists on Friday evening, aim to curb confusion and speculation ahead of the formal announcement.
Ahmed clarified that no final decision has yet been reached concerning the election timetable. “Any dates being circulated at this stage are purely speculative and based on individual assumptions,” he said, warning against the dissemination of unconfirmed information that could mislead voters or create unnecessary tension.
Highlighting the responsibility of media organisations, he stressed that the current political and social environment demands heightened diligence. “Considering the prevailing situation in the country, a higher degree of responsibility is expected from all media outlets,” he added, underscoring the importance of accurate reporting during this sensitive period.
In recent days, reports have suggested that the EC might announce the schedule on 11 December, while other sources have speculated that polling could be held in February. The Commission has, however, refrained from confirming any of these dates.
The EC is scheduled to hold an official meeting on Sunday to finalise discussions on the election schedule. Additionally, the Commission has requested an appointment with President Md. Sahabuddin to deliberate on the timing of the announcement. Sources indicate that the President has agreed to meet the EC on 10 December at 12:00 pm, a step seen as critical in ensuring that procedural protocols are followed prior to public disclosure.
Key Points
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| EC Statement | Urges caution against speculation on election dates |
| Current Status | No final decision on schedule or polling date |
| Speculated Dates | Schedule: 11 December; Polling: February |
| Official Meeting | EC to meet Sunday to discuss schedule |
| Presidential Meeting | 10 December at 12:00 pm with President Md. Sahabuddin |
The EC’s warning reflects an effort to maintain transparency and avoid misinformation in the lead-up to the 13th national parliamentary election. Authorities are emphasising that the formal announcement will be made only after due consultation with the President and internal deliberations, ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met.
Voters and media are therefore advised to rely solely on official channels for updates, and to refrain from circulating unverified dates, which could undermine public trust in the electoral process.