, Dec. 28 -- Hours after a demand for clarification from BNP, the Election Commission on Sunday said providing the income tax information of an aspirant's spouse, children and dependents in the nomination form would be considered as optional.

The EC issued the clarification in a letter sent to 69 returning officers, including two divisional commissioners, three regional election officers, and 64 district deputy commissioners, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, 2026.

"Regarding income tax information in serial 10 of the affidavit: providing the income tax related information of the spouse, children, and dependents mentioned in columns 2, 3, and 4 of the income tax return section shall be considered option...