Bangladesh EC advances polls by a day from Jan 23 to 22

Dhaka, Dec 18 (UNI) The Bangladesh Election Commission changed the election schedule by advancing the polls by a day from January 23 to 22.

''The rest of the schedule- the last date of submitting nomination papers, scrutiny and withdrawal of candidature--will remain unchanged,'' said an Election Commission Secretariat official today.

''All the political parties agreed to hold the election on January 22 as the earlier declared date coincides with Sarswati Puja,'' acting CEC Justice Mahfuzur Rahman said.

However, main opposition alliances led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today demanded fresh election schedule after declaring a flawless electoral roll which is now being corrected, The leader also announced general strike on December 21 to press for removing politically biased two election commissioners and resignation of President Iajuddin Ahmed from the office of the Chief Advisor of the caretaker government to create positive conditions for free and fair parliamentary elections.

UNI XC KD KP2006