EC not legally bound to bring parties to polls

Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman said they were not legally obligated to ensure that all political parties participate in the upcoming national polls.

"It is not our responsibility to include all political parties in the next general elections. We have urged for their participation and hope that they will."

He said this while talking to reporters at the Election Commission office in the capital's Agargaon yesterday.

"It's our job to create a conducive environment for a fair election, and we will work towards that goal starting this year," said Anisur.

The national polls will be held by the end of December this year or the first week of January next year, he added.

Anisur made the comments after the BNP and several other political parties announced that they would not take part in the upcoming parliamentary polls.

The parties have taken to the streets to press home their 10-point demand, which includes the formation of an impartial caretaker or interim government, as well as the formation of a neutral election commission to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

They are also demanding an end to the use of EVMs.

Anisur said, "The BNP has not accepted us since day one. Let them join the polls and then say that the election is not fair."

"They questioned the appointment of election commissioners although this incumbent Election Commission was constituted for the first time under law," he added.