Dhaka, Feb. 22 -- The Election Commission is awaiting a parliamentary decision on whether the upcoming local government elections will be contested under party symbols, according to Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud.

Speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday, Mashud said the provision allowing party nominations for mayoral posts has been scrapped through an ordinance.

"Parliament will sit soon. If the bill or ordinance is approved, elections will be held accordingly," he said.

"If it is changed and the previous system is restored, then it will be different. We are looking to the decision of Parliament."

The issue has taken on added significance as the BNP, which now holds a parliamentary majority, ha...