Dhaka, Oct. 5 -- Fresh ordinances have been promulgated introducing tougher penalties for election officials found guilty of negligence or irregularities, while also empowering the Election Commission to resolve disputes with the government.

On Sunday, the law ministry published the gazette for both the Election Commission Secretariat (Amendment) Ordinance and the Election Officer Special Provisions (Amendment) Ordinance.

These amendments were finalised during an Advisory Council meeting on Sept 18, with the parliamentary polls in sight. After presidential approval, the ordinances were issued to amend the 2009 and 1991 laws.

The ordinance includes people from law-enforcing agencies and other relevant staff as election officers, such as...