Staff Correspondent:

The Election Commission (EC) has started receiving consignments of materials for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Officials said supplies have been arriving at the EC headquarters in Agargaon since early September under work orders issued several months ago. At least six types of materials are being delivered in phases, with the consignments recorded last Thursday and again on Monday.

EC officials confirmed that all required 70,000 large and 115,000 small hessian bags have already been delivered, while other materials are still arriving.

EC Deputy Secretary Rashedul Islam said partial deliveries have been made for wax seals, ballot box locks, official seals and marking seals.

Of the 23,000 kilograms of wax seals required, one-fourth has already arrived. Deliveries of transparent ballot box locks have also begun, with 500,000 pieces supplied against a total demand of 50 lakh.

Out of 840,000 official seals, 500,000 were delivered on the first day, while 15,000 marking seals have been supplied against a requirement of 175,000.

Two items remain pending. The supply of 115,000 brass seals and 115,000 gunny bags has been delayed due to a re-tender process. However, election officials said the remaining consignments are expected to be completed within the set timeframe.

Highlighting preparations in August, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that all purchases would be finalised by September 30.

He noted that eight items were being procured locally, one of which required re-tendering, but assured that all materials would be received within the deadline.

Most election supplies are centrally provided by the Election Commission, though some smaller items are collected locally by returning officers.

Each polling centre and booth requires 21 types of basic materials, ranging from thread, matches and glue to pens and plastic sheets.

Once voter rolls, polling centres and other logistics are finalised, these materials will be distributed to regional, district and upazila offices in phases following the election schedule. Finally, ballot papers and other sensitive items will be transported under strict security to polling centres shortly before election day.