B'desh President to hold talks with political parties on EC formation

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid will be holding talks with all registered political parties of the country on the formation of a new Election Commission (EC).

The president's press secretary Joynal Abedin, said on Tuesday morning, "As per Article 118 of the Constitution, the president will hold a dialogue with registered political parties before appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and commissioners. The dialogue will begin after December 16."

The Dhaka Tribune quoted a source at Bangabhaban, as saying that the dialogue will begin on December 18 with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

There are 40 registered political parties in Bangladesh.

The Chief Election Commissioner of Bangladesh, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad's term will end in February 2017 and a new election commissioner will oversee the next general elections.

He was appointed in 2012 by then President Zillur Rahman through a search committee after holding meetings with political parties.

Ahead of the next general polls, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had proposed the formation and empowerment of the Election Commission.

Earlier, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said that her party will accept whatever is decided by the president over the constitution of a new election commission.