The Election Commission (EC) has sat in an emergency meeting to discuss a possible change to the date of elections to two Dhaka city corporations, according to media reports.
Amid widespread criticisms and movement by a group of Dhaka University students, the commission started the meeting around 4pm on Saturday (Jan 14) at its Dhaka offices with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda in the chair, reports UNB.
Different quarters, including the Hindu community, have been demanding the deferment of the elections to the Dhaka north and south city corporations slated for January 30 that coincide with Saraswati Puja,.
Even major mayoral candidates also urged the commission to reschedule the election so that the Hindu community can smoothly celebrate the Saraswati Puja.
Meanwhile, Dhaka University students continued their fast unto death program for the third consecutive day on Saturday demanding deferment of the polls to the two Dhaka city corporations.
Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad General Secretary Advocate Rana Dasgupta warned that they will resist the elections on Jan 30 as Saraswati Puja falls on the same day.
The Election Commission announced the date on Dec 22 last year.
Besides, an appeal was filed on Thursday with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order that turned down a writ petition seeking deferment of the Jan 30 elections.
The Supreme Court chamber judge is likely to hold a hearing on the appeal on Sunday next.