Staff Correspondent

Election Commissioner (EC) Rashida Sultana has said that the commission would sit for a meeting and verify the legal aspects to revise the election schedule if BNP joins the 12th parliamentary election.

"We did not face such a situation. If they come, we-- the commissioners-- will sit, (and) verify the legal aspects, then will decide," she said replying to a query at her office in Agargaon this noon.

"We want a fair election with the participation of all [political] parties," she added.

“As long as there is opportunity, we will try to ensure participation of all political parties in the election,” said the EC referring to the BNP’s inaction in the electoral process.

BNP took part in the national election held in 2018 and a space was created for the party, she said, adding that the same scope can be created if the party joins the upcoming polls.

The commission will have no role if any political party fails to respond within the specified timeframe, she said adding, “We have no room to think about only those who want to participate in the polls. Instead, we must ensure a level playing field for all."

Claiming that the political situation is quite calm despite differences in political parties, Rasheda expressed her optimism saying that the prevailing political unrest will meet and end if all political parties want eagerly.

If the political parties want, the situation can be calm and normal and, in this context, the EC has constitutionally no opportunity to take initiatives to solve the political crisis in the country, she said.

“The army will act as the striking force during the election,” she said, calling upon all political parties to keep confidence in the EC for holding the national election in a free, fair and transparent manner.