He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Election Commission Secretariat on Thursday (August 27), following a courtesy meeting with the President.

The CEC said the commission’s primary goal is to complete the first phase of local government elections by the end of this year. The EC has requested the relevant authorities to adjust the schedule of annual examinations in November to facilitate the organisation of elections from December.

He said the timing of the elections would have to take into account public examinations, Durga Puja and other social and religious festivals, as well as the SSC examinations scheduled for early next year.

The CEC said the nearly 40-minute meeting with the President covered various election-related issues, including the local government elections. The commission sought the President’s cooperation in holding a credible, transparent and universally acceptable election. The President assured the EC of all necessary support, he added.

Nasir Uddin also said the commission is prepared to hold the by-election to the Thakurgaon-1 constituency alongside the local government elections. The EC will soon hold a meeting with senior law enforcement officials regarding the two elections. Necessary procurement for the elections has also been completed.

He said voters in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election will also have the option of casting their ballots through the postal voting system.

Although administrative preparations have been completed, the final election dates will be determined in coordination with the relevant authorities, taking into consideration examinations, national festivals and other government programmes.