EC bars no party from joining polls: Commissioner Masud

As the Election Commission (EC) gears up its preparations for folding the national election, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Tuesday said the Commission is not barring any registered political party from participating in the polls, reports UNB.

"Those who are allowed in line with the laws, they can submit (nomination papers) to the Election Commission. And the returning officers will scrutinise these. Usually we've not barred anyone," he said, replying to a question whether all registered political parties will be allowed to join the upcoming polls.

Rahmanel Masud made the remark while talking to reporters at his office in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban.

He, however, confirmed that the 'boat', the electoral symbol of Bangladesh Awami League whose registered remains suspended, will not be in the ballot papers.

The Election Commissioner said the law and order situation will gradually improve after the election schedule is announced.

He said the matter of ensuring the level-playing field will fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. He said the polls schedule will be announced, while telecasting Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin's speech by Bangladesh Television and Betar.

Rahmanel Masud said no preparatory work remains unfinished to declare the election schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and referendum to be held in early February 2026.