Dhaka, Nov. 11 -- The Election Commission has invited 12 political parties to join discussions on the first day of its planned dialogue series beginning Thursday, ahead of the February elections.

On Tuesday, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the discussions will continue throughout the month in several phases.

The commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, is holding these dialogues as part of its ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure "a free, fair, neutral, and acceptable election".

After receiving approval from the commission, letters were sent to the chiefs of the invited parties on Tuesday evening through special couriers.

Officials from the EC Secretariat have also been contacting party representatives ...