Even the prime minister will not be able to lay the foundation of any new project now as per the electoral code of conduct, Election Commission Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.

He said this at his office at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon this noon.

As per the electoral code of conduct, no government officials, prime minister, ministers, MPs can inaugurate any project, lay foundations or make donations after the announcement of the election schedule.

The EC secretary said, “We have instructed different ministries not to take any new development projects ahead of the parliamentary elections. The ongoing projects will continue. However, the ministries have been instructed not to carry out circulation of any videos on development, allocation of Vulnerable Group Development (VGD), providing VGF cards and financial assistance.”

Replying to a query on whether any foundation stones can be laid now, Helal Uddin said, “No foundation stone can be laid now. No donations can be made to mosques or temples.”

WHEN IS THE ELECTION?

Election Commission has revised polls schedule, deferring the 11th general election by a week to December 30 – a decision taken on November 12.

The authorities have fixed November 28 as the deadline for filing nomination papers, December 2 for scrutiny and December 9 last date of withdrawal.

The move came following demands from several opposition political parties.