The Crime Desk: President Md. As Sahabuddin dissolved the twelfth national parliament, the 13th national parliament election should be organized by November 4. However, the Election Commission can extend the time as per the instructions of the Supreme Court. The president dissolved the parliament last Tuesday because the recently resigned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not have a cabinet in the face of a round of demands from the anti-discrimination student movement. As per the existing constitution, elections are now mandatory within 90 days. The interim government should also be formed within this period.
Article 123(3)(b) of the Constitution states that in case of dissolution of Parliament for any reason other than expiration of term, general election of Members of Parliament shall be held within 90 days of dissolution. In this case, the Thirteenth National Parliament should be elected by November 4. If the election cannot be held within 90 days, the election commission will get another 90 days as per the constitution. However, according to Article 123(4), if, in the opinion of the Chief Election Commissioner, due to any natural calamity, the said election is not possible within the prescribed period of this clause, then the said election shall be held within 90 days after the last day of the said period.
When asked about this, former Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said that according to the constitution, national elections should be held within three months after the dissolution of parliament. However, if for some reason it is not possible to hold the election in the first three months, the Chief Election Commissioner will get another three months if he wants. Also, there is an opportunity to solve this problem with the direction of the court. When we were in charge, we spent two years taking directions from the court. He also said that it is difficult to vote for the new government in three months. They have to give time to create a polling environment. Some changes should be made in election management.
Disagree with the six-month period of the constitution for good governance. Badiul Alam Majumdar. He said that according to the constitution, elections should be held within 90 days after the dissolution of parliament. But it will be difficult in present reality. In this case, the additional three months mentioned in the constitution due to natural disasters if a natural crisis occurs. The current political crisis is not natural. Consequently, that provision will not apply. Regarding the extension of the period, he also said that if the Election Commission cannot hold the next national election within the stipulated time as per the constitution, it can take the Supreme Court’s direction. According to the instructions given by the Supreme Court, the Election Commission will arrange the election.
He said, after taking charge of the new government, to reconstitute the Election Commission quickly. Eligible candidates should be appointed to the Election Commission through the formation of a search committee.
Chairman of the National Election Observers Council (JANIPOP), Prof. Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, however, is in favor of elections as soon as possible. He said if the election is not on time, the unelected government comes. And no one wants an unelected government. So the election should be done within 90 days. Voting will not take much time. Regarding the formation of the interim government, he said, What will happen even if the matter is not in the constitution? Law is needed now. So the president can form it by his power.
CEC not working: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal did not come to the election building even on Wednesday in the political context after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the face of a round of demands of the anti-discrimination student movement. In addition, Election Commissioner. Anishur Rahman also did not work. After Sheikh Hasina left the country last Monday, the CEC, four election commissioners, secretaries, and additional secretaries did not come to the election building on Tuesday. However, other officers-employees came down under the building in fear of attack. Later, everyone left before 1pm. However, on Wednesday, the Election Commissioner said. Ahsan Habib Khan, Md. Alamgir, and Rasheda Sultana officiated. EC Secretary Shafiul Azim, Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath, and other officials have also come.
Private Secretary of CEC. Riaz Uddin said CEC is healthy. He didn’t work because he didn’t have a police career. You can do office today Thursday.
