The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the City Corporation polls in Dhaka and Chittagong. Voting will be held on Apr 28, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday. Aspirants will have to file nominations by Mar 28. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Apr 1 and 2. A candidate would be able to withdraw his papers until Apr 9, said the chief election commissioner during a press conference. The announcement comes amid the BNP-led coalition’s countrywide agitation demanding an interim national election under a ‘non-party’ government. Political parties including the ruling Awami League has finalised the candidates it would back, but the BNP and its allies are yet to make their intention clear about the city polls. The Chief Election Commissioner, however, hoped the polls will be held in a ‘festive mood’. He also called on contenders to abide by the electoral code of conduct. “We have announced the schedule. Candidates have to pull down all posters and billboards put up in advance. Otherwise, legal action will be initiated against them,” said Ahmad. The Election Commission’s Deputy Secretary Mihir Sarwar Morshed has been made the Returning Officer for the polls at Dhaka South while Deputy Secretary Md Shah Alam for Dhaka North. Regional Election Officer Abdul Mateen will be in-charge of Chittagong City Corporation election. –bdnews24.com
