Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker said on Tuesday that no interim government adviser or other government officeholder may participate in the forthcoming 13th national parliamentary election. They are also prohibited from campaigning on behalf of any contestant.

Speaking to reporters, the commissioner stressed, “Under the election code of conduct, no government official may engage in campaign activities while holding office. If they cannot campaign, they cannot stand as candidates.”

Sarker also confirmed that all preparations — including seat allocation and appointment of returning and assistant returning officers — are ready and the announcement of the election schedule is imminent.

Nearly 20 administrative circulars covering mobile courts, magistrate appointments, electoral inquiry committees, and monitoring and law enforcement cells have been prepared. These directives will be issued sequentially once the schedule is declared, he said.