Dhaka, Oct. 26 -- As Bangladesh moves closer to the February polls, the Election Commission has entered the final stage of legal reforms with the approval of the amended Representation of the People Order by the Advisory Council -- a step that brings relief within the commission.

The ordinance will take effect after the president's signature, leaving only the finalisation of the code of conduct.

This year's amendment to the electoral law introduces a series of significant changes. Among them:

Fugitives declared absconders by a court will no longer be eligible to contest elections.

The Armed Forces are now officially included in the definition of law enforcement after 15 years.

The 'No' vote option returns for constituencies with a si...