No transfers without permission, the EC tells the Cabinet Division

ফাইল ছবি

News Desk:

A letter has been sent to the Cabinet Division instructing that no officials or employees of government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions be transferred during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum without prior permission from the Election Commission (EC). The letter, signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, has already been sent to the Cabinet Secretary.

The letter states that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum will be held on the same day. To ensure smooth election operations, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers need to be appointed. For this purpose, officials and employees from all ministries, divisions, government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous offices/institutions, and, where applicable, private offices/educational institutions must be assigned as polling officials. Additionally, a sufficient number of magistrates and law enforcement personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order during the election.

It further mentions that under Article 126 of the Constitution of Bangladesh and Section 5 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, it is the duty of all executive authorities to assist in the election process. When appointed under the Election Officials (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 (Act No. 13 of 1991), officials will remain under the EC’s supervision as an additional duty of their employment until formally relieved from election responsibilities. Moreover, under Section 446 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, from the announcement of the election schedule until 15 days after the results are declared, no official/employee can be transferred elsewhere without prior consultation with the EC.

The letter emphasizes that all personnel involved in election activities must perform their duties impartially and in accordance with law and regulations. Ministries, divisions, government, semi-government, autonomous, and private offices/institutions are instructed to ensure that no official/employee is transferred, granted leave, or assigned to tasks that may disrupt election duties without prior consultation with the EC after the schedule is announced, in accordance with Articles 126, 443, and Section 5 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

According to the EC’s announced schedule, voting will be held on 12 February.