Dhaka, Feb. 3 -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently the only party to respond to an Election Commission (EC) initiative to broadcast speeches by the heads of political parties participating in the parliamentary polls.

In light of this, the EC has issued a formal letter to the Bangladesh Television (BTV) director general to arrange the broadcast of the BNP chief's speech on Feb 9.

On Tuesday, EC spokesman Ruhul Amin Mallik sent the correspondence, noting: "Creating a conducive electoral environment is vital for a fair, free, and acceptable election.

"Providing equal opportunities for all candidates to campaign on BTV can play a significant role in establishing that environment."

The letter outlined instructions for "sl...