EC Anwarul Islam announces decision on vote recount

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has clarified the Election Commission's position on the vote recount issue. He said that the demand raised by the 11-party alliance to reconsider the declaration of results is irrelevant in the commission's view. However, if any candidate or complainant wants to take refuge in the law, the Election Commission (EC) will decide on the vote recount if it receives a court order.

He said these things at a briefing held at the Election Building in Agargaon in the capital on Sunday (February 15). Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar emphasized that the commission did not rush in publishing the results and issuing the gazette. All election-related activities were completed in accordance with existing laws and rules and the gazette was published on time.

Expressing satisfaction with the overall environment of the election, he said that the commission was able to organize a fair, peaceful and impartial election. According to him, the election was completed better than expected and the commission has also shown success from the administrative side.

Regarding the oath-taking, he said that the Speaker is supposed to administer the oath within three days after the counting of votes and the announcement of the results. If the Speaker does not administer the oath within the stipulated time, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) will administer the oath. However, he mentioned that the commission has not yet been officially informed about when and where the oath-taking ceremony will take place.

Meanwhile, the commission has not yet taken any final decision on the election of Sherpur-3 constituency. The matter is under review and EC Anwarul Islam Sarkar confirmed that if the commission decides, it will be officially informed.