TDS Desk:

Ahead of the 13th National Election, the EC directed field officials to prepare polling panels by October 30, per a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Monir Hossain.

According to the circular, panels must be prepared by October 30 for the appointment of presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers.

For this purpose, officials have been instructed to collect lists of staff by class or grade from government, semi-government, autonomous, private offices, and educational institutions.

It further stated that no Class-IV employees (National Pay Scale Grades 17–20) can be included in the panels.

However, a separate list may be prepared for staff to assist presiding officers.

The circular emphasized that while preparing panels, priority must be given to integrity, competence, courage, impartiality, rank, seniority, and efficiency of officials.

Controversial employees or members of any political party cannot be included.

Where necessary, details on age, physical fitness, and mental state should also be collected and recorded.

Regarding female officials, it was instructed that a sufficient number of female assistant presiding officers and polling officers must be included to work in women-only polling centers.

The circular also noted that the panel must include an additional 10% of officials beyond the required number.

Moreover, a separate panel must be prepared for duties outside voting, such as working at returning officers’ offices, control rooms, election information and results centers, and field monitoring.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PANEL INCLUSION:

• Presiding Officers: Class-I officers, in some cases Class-II officers, teachers of government-funded colleges and madrasas, officials of state-owned and private banks and insurance companies, and heads or assistant heads of secondary schools.
• Assistant Presiding Officers: Class-II officers, demonstrators of colleges and madrasas, primary school headteachers, and secondary school teachers.
• Polling Officers: Employees of various government and private institutions, and primary or secondary school teachers.

The EC directed that the final list of panels, prepared in accordance with all conditions, must be submitted to the EC Secretariat within the stipulated time.