JS to decide on use of party symbols in local polls: EC

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud has said the Election Commission (EC) is awaiting a Jatiya Sangsad (JS) decision on whether the upcoming local government elections will be contested under party symbols , report agencies.

Speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday, Mashud said the provision allowing party nominations for mayoral posts has been scrapped through an ordinance.

"Parliament will sit soon. If the bill or ordinance is approved, elections will be held accordingly," he said.

"If it is changed and the previous system is restored, then it will be different. We are looking to the decision of Parliament."

The issue has taken on added significance as the BNP, which now holds a parliamentary majority, has formed the government. Whether party symbols remain in local polls will depend on the position adopted in Parliament.

Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud also said the EC will hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats -- Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3-- by April 14 next, said Election Commissioner Rahmanel Masud on Sunday.

"The by-elections for Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 are expected to be held soon, Inshallah. Authorities are arranging for the polls to be completed before April 14, ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year.," he said.

Meanwhile, Youths aged 16 or above will be able to avail the national identity (NID) services and card from now on, according to a decision taken by the Election Commission.

The EC on Sunday issued a notification, directing its field-level officials to extend the NID services to the Bangladesh citizens aged 16 and 17 as well.