Dhaka, Sept. 24 -- The Election Commission has ruled out holding Union Parishad elections in November and December, citing school and public exams and the busy schedule of law-enforcing agencies.

It is now looking at starting the vote in January instead, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said on Thursday.

The EC's original blueprint had the vote unfolding in seven phases: Nov 12, Dec 13, Dec 30, Jan 17 next year, Feb 4 next year, Apr 22 and May 27.

But an inter-ministry meeting advised against holding the vote in November-December because of the exams, prompting a change in the EC's plan.

Anwarul said the delay was aimed at avoiding disruption to the studies of millions of students.

"There are annual exams and other matters ...