Responding to the opposition’s complaints over the implementation of the July Charter and Article 70 of the constitution, Nurul said, “We are currently running the country in accordance with the constitution. The opposition may make complaints, which is normal for them.

“But the announcement of the election schedule, preparation of the voter list, activities of the Election Commission and the voting process—all are being conducted in accordance with the existing constitution. Until this constitution is changed, we have to proceed in this manner.”

He said, “The chief election commissioner is serving as the returning officer for this election. Immediately after voting ends at 5pm, the result will be announced in the presence of everyone, and a gazette notification will be issued at night.”

Asked whether BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir would have to resign from his post as local government minister or from his parliamentary seat in Thakurgaon-1 before taking oath as president, the chief whip said he would not have to resign. Both posts would automatically become vacant as soon as he takes the oath as president.

Regarding BNP lawmaker Mirza Abbas, he said, “He is ill. He has informed the prime minister that he will not be able to attend due to his illness.”

He said whether the expelled Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers would cast their votes was a matter of their party’s own decision.