Dhaka, April 15 -- As part of the preparation for the 13th national parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat plans to start the procurement of essentials papers and printing materials early to avoid last-minute delays.

The EC officials on Tuesday sat in a meeting with officials from the Department of Printing and Publications at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital to assess demands for election materials, budget estimates and current stocks.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the preparation works are being planned so that the electoral preparation is not delayed.

"The things are being organised to ensure election preparations are not delayed. They (officials at the me...