A writ petition has been filed seeking a halt to all activities related to the 13th national election

A writ petition has been submitted to the High Court seeking a halt to all activities tied to the 13th national parliamentary election.

The petition was filed on Wednesday by Advocate Earul Islam, secretary-general of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress.

It challenges the legality of appointing the Election Commission secretary, returning officers, and assistant returning officers from the executive branch.

The writ also calls for the creation of an independent Electoral Service Commission to oversee an election commission service. The petitioner sought a rule and requested that the upcoming national election be paused until the rule is resolved.

The petition is likely to be heard next week by a dual bench led by Justice Sikdar Mahmudur Razi.

Speaking to the media, Advocate Earul Islam said, “The government and the Election Commission have already consulted deputy commissioners (DCs) about the election and indicated they will again be given responsibility for managing it. If DCs are once more placed in charge, another influenced election is inevitable.”