The Election Commission (EC) has directed the government not to take up any new projects, release funds and provide grants before the 12th Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on January 7 in 2024.
The EC’s instruction will remain in force until the gazette publication of the election results.
The instruction was given in a letter of the Election Commission sent to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) & Co-operatives. Signed by deputy secretary of Election Commission Secretariat, Atiar Rahman, the letter was sent on Tuesday (November 21).
According to the Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Elections, the EC’s instruction will continue from the date of announcement of the schedule till the date of publication of the election results in the official gazette. During this period, no government beneficiary shall declare or allocate and release grants in favour of any person or group or institution from the funds of very important persons, government or semi-government or autonomous bodies. Violation of this provision will be considered as a punishable offence.
In the letter, the EC said that in order to keep the elections free from influence, until the end of the election, any candidate can use the property of city corporation, municipality and local government bodies, including office, vehicle, mobile, telephone, walkie-talkie or any other facilities; for election purposes. These cannot be used even after paying the fee.
Besides, no officer-employee of the local government bodies can be used for election work. No candidate can take decisions regarding invitation, acceptance or cancellation of tenders related to government procurement.
As per the Rule-2 of the Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Elections, no government, semi-government and autonomous bodies shall sanction, announce or lay foundation stone or unveil plaque for revenue or development funded projects before elections.
The Election Commission in its letter also said that until the 12th national elections are over, instructions have been given not to sanction grants, distribution of relief or any developmental projects.
However, if it is necessary to release or pay money in previously approved projects, it can be done following the consent of Election Commission on an urgent basis.
The current 11th Parliament is scheduled to expire on January 29 in 2024. The EC on November 15 announced the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections, with the polls set to be held on January 7.
As per the schedule, nominations are to be filed by November 30, which will be scrutinised from December 1 to 4. The last date for the withdrawal of nominations is December 17. Symbols will be allotted to the political parties, and the election campaign will begin on December 18.
