Different election materials, including locks, seals and ballot-related items, have started reaching the Election Commission under work orders issued a few months ago for the 13th parliamentary election.

Since early September, at least six types of items have been delivered in phases to the EC headquarters at Agargaon in Dhaka, where they are being stored. Several consignments arrived on 11 September, followed by more on 14 September, said sources.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the Daily Sun that the procurement of the polling materials will be complete by 30 September.

The senior secretary along with other officials of the EC visited the storehouse to see the election materials and observe their quality on Monday.

An EC official said large and small jute bags have been fully supplied, while other items are being delivered gradually.

This time, the number of voters is expected to be nearly 125 million. Accordingly, about 45,000 polling centers and more than 2 lakh polling booths will be required.

So far, one-fourth of the 23,000 kilograms of red cloth required for the election has been supplied. Meanwhile, 50 lakh transparent ballot box locks are needed, while 5 lakh have been supplied.

Moreover, 5 lakh out of the 8.4 lakh required official seals were supplied in early September. As many as 17.5 lakh marking seals are required, while 1.5 lakh have been supplied.

Besides, 1.15 brass seals are needed, but its supply was delayed due to a retendering process.

The amount of gunny bags required was 1.15 lakh pieces, but their supply has not started due to retendering. Meanwhile, all of the 70,000 large jute bags and 1.15 lakh small jute bags needed for the polls have been supplied.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said in early August that, “There were eight items under local purchase procurement. We had to re-tender one item. I believe we will receive everything within the timeframe.”

Officials explained that the Election Commission supplies most of the polling materials, while returning officers collect some minor items locally. Each polling centre and booth requires 21 types of small items such as needles, thread, matches, glue, pens, and plastic sheets.

Once voter lists, polling centers, and preparations are finalised, the materials will be distributed in phases to regional, district, and upazila offices after the election schedule is announced. Ballot papers and other sensitive items are delivered to polling centers under tight security just before the vote.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is preparing to launch dialogues with stakeholders in the last week of September. According to the declared roadmap, the dialogue will be completed in several phases within one to one-and-a-half months. Political parties, university teachers, civil society representatives, media professionals, observers, election experts, and injured freedom fighters will be invited to the discussions.

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