ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retired) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Thursday warned that anyone attempting irregularities or fraud in voting through postal ballots, introduced for the first time for expatriate Bangladeshis, will face strict legal action, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) News reported.
He said those involved in such offences would have their National Identity Cards (NIDs) blocked, face criminal cases, and, if necessary, be deported from the concerned countries.
Electoral integrity
The election commissioner made the remarks while briefing journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban (Election Commission of Bangladesh ) in the capital's Agargaon following a virtual meeting with Bangladesh's ambassadors and heads of missions stationed abroad, BSS reported.
Sanaullah said, "We have categorically made it clear to everyone that electoral integrity must not be compromised under any circumstances. If anyone is found engaging in unethical practices over postal ballots to serve vested interests, there will be zero tolerance."
Fresh election schedule
The Election Commission (EC) has announced a fresh election schedule for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, following directives from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, BSS reported on Friday.
A gazette notification signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday night disclosed the matter, saying the revised schedule was fixed by cancelling the relevant portion of the previously issued gazette dated Dec. 11, 2025 in compliance with an order of the Appellate Division passed on Jan. 15.
According to the new schedule, Jan. 18 has been fixed as the last date for submission of nomination papers to the returning or assistant returning officers, while scrutiny of the submitted nomination papers will be held on Jan. 19.
Polling on Feb. 12
Aggrieved candidates may file appeals against the decisions of the returning officers from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, while disposal of the appeals will be completed on Jan. 25.
Jan. 26 has been set as the last date for withdrawal of candidature, and election symbols will be allotted among the candidates on Jan. 27.
The EC Secretariat said polling in the two constituencies will be held on Feb. 12 from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm continuously through ballot papers.
Voters will cast their votes using transparent ballot boxes, the BSS reported.
