Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand on Wednesday filed a writ in the High Court challenging the schedule announced by the Election Commission and questioning the validity of the January 7 parliamentary elections, especially while the National Parliament is in session.
Seven individuals, including the chief election commissioner, have been named as defendants in the writ.
A day earlier, on Tuesday, the lawyer sent a legal notice to the chief election commissioner and others, demanding the postponement of the 12th national parliamentary election. The notice referred to Article 123 of the Constitution, which provides an opportunity to postpone the election.
The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the 12th national election 52 days before the polling day, which is set for January 7. The legal notice called for the postponement of the announced schedule, citing the absence of major political parties in the election and pressure from foreigners.
When asked whether the notice was sent on behalf of BNP, the lawyer clarified that it was not, but rather in the public interest.
He emphasized the ongoing hartal in the country, resulting in loss of life and property, as a consideration for demanding the election's postponement.
Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman commented that the possibility of postponing the election date is under consideration due to the absence of major parties in the 12th parliamentary elections.
He made this statement in response to journalists' questions after a meeting at the Noakhali Deputy Commissioner's office on November 22.
As per the EC's announcement, the parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 7, with the last date for the submission of nomination papers on November 30, the selection of nomination papers from December 1-4, and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature on December 17. The allotment of symbols is set for December 18.
