Dhaka, Feb. 3 -- The Election Commission (EC) has taken steps to resume the tradition of broadcasting speeches by heads of political parties taking part in the parliamentary polls.

Officials are currently drafting a formal letter to Bangladesh Television (BTV) to facilitate the recorded addresses.

While 51 parties are set to contest in the Feb 12 election and referendum, the commission will shortly determine which party chiefs will feature and the specific broadcast schedule.

The move follows an earlier practice. In the run-up to the 2008 election, speeches by the leaders of major parties were aired during the final phase of campaigning.

The same arrangement was repeated ahead of the 10th general election, when BTV also sought specifi...