EC extends deadline for filing nominations; Mayors not eligible to contest polls; Hasina and Zia agree to cooperate in resolving crises facing the country; Maritime delimitation talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar begin
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    • The EC extended the deadline for filing nominations for parliamentary and upazila elections till November 20 even as the caretaker government amended the upazila parishad ordinance to prevent individuals from contesting parliamentary and upazila elections simultaneously. The authorities also warned of “stern actions” if parties indulged in any demonstrations before November 27 as such activities violated the Emergency Power Rules (EPR)1. The EC also stated that the mayors of city corporations and municipalities were not eligible to contest the parliamentary polls as they were holding office of profit2. The Chairman of the Regulatory Reforms Commission (RRC) Akbar Ali Khan also suggested that the EC may consider taking the government to court if it created any obstacles to holding the parliamentary polls3.

    Meanwhile, the BNP has been pressing hard to force a delay of the general elections. The AL has indicated that it may accept a deferral of about 10 days only4. The AL also stated that it would ratify all reform initiatives taken by the caretaker government and recognise laws passed under the current regime, if it is voted to power5. Hasina and Khaleda Zia have also agreed to sit together to resolve the crises confronting the country6. Reports indicated that the armed forces would help other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order before and after the upcoming parliamentary and upazila parishad elections.

    In other developments, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) decided to provide a $6million grant towards the strengthening of technical education in Bangladesh7. Technical talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the issue of maritime delimitation began on November 16.

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