Dhaka, Nov. 29 -- A mock voting exercise is being held in Dhaka as the Election Commission (EC) tests its preparations for the upcoming 13th national election and a nationwide referendum, both scheduled to take place on the same day in February next year.

The drill began at 8am on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government High School and will continue until midday. Around 500 voters are participating in the exercise.

Speaking to reporters after arriving at the centre at the start of the exercise, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the voting drill was crucial for assessing the challenges of holding two major votes simultaneously.

"Since the national election and the referendum will be held on the same day, we want to gain insights bef...