DHAKA: Election Commission (EC) Secretary Md Alamgir said the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election will not be held until the coronavirus pandemic situation improves.

He made the remarks at his EC office on Sunday afternoon (July 5).

The CCC election was scheduled to be held on March 29 but it was postponed seven days before the date due to the ongoing pandemic.

EC secretary said: “We have time till August 5 to hold the election. We can even further extend the period by 90 days if necessary. That is why EC has no plan to hold the election before the pandemic situation gets normal.”

He also said this approach will be applied not only for the CCC polls but also for other local government elections.      

When asked why the commission is holding polls to Jessore-6 and Bogra-1 constituencies and not the CCC, the secretary said: “These polls must be held due to constitutional obligation. Voting time slot in these two constituencies will expire on July 18 and 15, respectively.”

Md Alamgir also said the commission has taken preparation to hold the vote amid pandemic. “All measures will be taken to prevent the spread of the virus and infection rate.”

There are several other by-polls to be held before their time limit expires. However, we will observe the Jashore and Bogura polls first and then decide on the other polls date later, he added.

BDST: 1930 HRS, JULY 5, 2020
AP/SMS