A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking a suspension of all activities related to the 13th national parliamentary election.

Advocate Earul Islam, secretary-general of the registered political party Bangladesh Congress, filed the petition on Wednesday.

The writ challenges the legality of appointing the Election Commission secretary, returning officers, and assistant returning officers from the executive branch.

It also seeks a directive to form an independent Electoral Service Commission to establish an election commission service. The petitioner requested a rule and asked that the upcoming national election be halted until the rule is disposed of.

The writ is expected to be heard next week by a dual bench headed by Justice Sikdar Mahmudur Razi.

Speaking to reporters, Advocate Earul Islam said, “The government and the Election Commission have already held consultations with deputy commissioners (DCs) regarding the election and signalled that they will be tasked with election management. If DCs are given this responsibility once more, another influenced election is certain.”