Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has said that deferring polls schedule announcement is not an option. However, he also said it can be postponed if demanded by all political parties.

His remarks came on Tuesday (Nov 6) in response to a media query at the Electoral Training Institute at the capitals Agargaon.

When asked about the Jatiya Oikya Front’s demand of deferring polls, the CEC said, “It can only be rescheduled if all political parties of the country demand the polls to be postponed; not when the demand is made by one party.”

Pointing out the obligation to hold polls by January 28, Huda said that the month January is not so suitable for holding polls due to many reasons including two rounds of Bishwa Ijtema, scheduled in the month.

“So far I know, it won’t be possible to hold the election from January 15-26 for this reason. Besides, police and RAB personnel are called in for the occasion from different areas of the country. Schools are open after Jan 1. Then, the weather usually remains cold and foggy at that time of the year with risks prevailing at sandbar (char) and back swamp (Haor) areas,” the CEC said before adding, “We, therefore, think that the polls should be held by December.”

When asked about threats of arrest to people if named as polling agents, Huda replied, “There's no such thing that being in a list will get someone arrested. It’s up to them if they want to provide lists.”

“We will certainly not bring in anyone by force if they don’t send polling agents,” added the CEC.

He also said that he is unaware of any such indication of fear and intimidation targeting potential polling agents.

“We are always instructed not to apprehend, file case and harass anyone without a cause and this time it will be no different,” said Huda after a training session for election commission officials ahead of the national polls.