Six days before the 13th national election and referendum set for February 12, the Election Commission (EC) has highlighted disinformation as its primary current obstacle. The commission is actively addressing this issue in a professional manner.
Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, addressing the press at EC headquarters in Agargaon, provided an update on overall preparations post a meeting with a six-member European Union delegation. He mentioned that ballot papers have been sent to 116 out of 300 constituencies, with the remainder to be delivered by February 7. Delays were attributed to court orders reinstating candidacies in some areas, necessitating reprinting and ballot modifications.
The EC declared that political parties’ campaigning will cease at 7:30 am on February 10. To oversee election duties from February 8 to 14, 1,051 executive magistrates will be deployed nationwide, supported by members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC).
Addressing disinformation concerns, Akhtar Ahmed disclosed that discussions have taken place with Meta. The focus is on urging Meta to remove derogatory remarks, offensive content, and misinformation rather than imposing internet speed restrictions or other extreme measures.
Regarding postal ballots, the EC secretary stated that 107,168 ballots have reached returning officers from overseas, with 379,924 postal ballots received at the Bangladesh Post Office post in-country and international voting. Additionally, 444,952 postal ballots have been sent to mailboxes globally, of which 211,122 ballots have been completed. Ballots will be accepted until 4:30 pm on February 12.
Akhtar Ahmed also mentioned that 6,091 inmates in legal custody have registered for postal voting.
