The search committee tasked with forming a new Election Commission has called for nominations to be submitted by November 7.
As per the decision made during its first meeting, political parties, professional bodies, and individuals are invited to propose names for consideration.
A maximum of five names may be submitted for each position. The committee issued a notification regarding this request on Sunday (November 3) evening.
Earlier on day, the search committee convened for its inaugural meeting at the Supreme Court. According to a press release, the committee, established under the 'Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022', is responsible for recommending qualified individuals to the President for the roles of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Political parties and professional bodies are allowed to nominate up to five candidates for these positions, with submissions due by 5:00pm on November 7. Interested individuals may also propose their own names.
The circular instructs all proposals, accompanied by a full CV, to be sent directly to the Cabinet Division or submitted via email at gfp_sec@cabinet.gov.bd.
The government formed the search committee on October 31 to recommend candidates for the new commission, which includes the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners.
Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury of the Appellate Division serves as the convener of the six-member committee. Other members include High Court Judge AKM Asaduzzaman, along with two citizens nominated by the President: former Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Prof. Zinnatun Nesha Tahmida Begum and former Dhaka University International Relations Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. Additionally, ex officio members include the Auditor General and Controller of Bangladesh, Nurul Islam, and PSC Chairman Mobasser Monem.
The search committee will fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the aforementioned appointment act, with the Cabinet Division providing necessary secretarial support. The committee will recommend two candidates for each vacant post to the President for appointment.