Election commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker on Sunday said that the Awami League, activities of which are now banned, would not be able to participate in the forthcoming election.
鈥楲egally, the Awami League鈥檚 activities have remained suspended. Since it is a suspended political party, all its organisational functions are suspended. So, it cannot participate in the forthcoming election,鈥� he said.
The election commissioner made the remarks while he was responding to a question from journalists after attending a training session aimed at enhancing police efficiency for election聽 duties, held at the Sylhet Police Lines on Sunday morning.
The national polls are slated for February 2026.
Regarding the National Citizen Party鈥檚 demand for the water lily as its election symbol, he said that as per the constitutional provisions and election regulations, the water lily was not on the approved list of election symbols.
鈥楢s a result, it cannot be allocated to the NCP,鈥� he said.
Anwarul reassured that there was no obstruction to holding the election in February.
鈥楴othing has occurred that could prevent holding the election in February. Election will be held before Ramadan,鈥� he added.
Ramadan, the month of fasting for the Muslims, will begin in the 3rd of February.
Responding to a query on the issue of proportional representation system of election, he said that it was a political matter and that the political leaders would make decision in this regard.
Expressing his optimism about the overall election atmosphere, Anwarul said that with everyone鈥檚 cooperation, a free, fair and participatory election would be held.
鈥楢ll law enforcement agencies are fully prepared, and we expect there is no major challenge in maintaining law and order situation,鈥� he said.
The election commissioner also added that no controversial individuals would be assigned to election duties.
Sylhet Metropolitan Police commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury chaired the training programme that was attended, among others, by SMP additional commissioner Md Masud Rana and Sylhet district police superintendent Md Mahbubur Rahman.