Dhaka, Nov. 19 -- Although the interim government has announced that a referendum will be held on the day of the parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) says it must wait for an ordinance before determining its course of action.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin made the remark on Wednesday afternoon in his closing statement at a dialogue with political parties.

The commission sat with five parties, including the BNP, on the fourth and final day of talks, bringing the total number of parties consulted over the four days to 48.

The BNP delegation was led by Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan.

Nasir said an ordinance would create an obligation for the commission to clarify its stance.

"Politicians ...