Dhaka, Aug. 26 -- The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to roll out its largest training initiative to date ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, with over 1.16 million participants expected to be trained over the next five months.

The programme will formally commence on 29 August with training for core trainers. Approximately 10,850 political activists will be trained as "master trainers," who will, in turn, instruct their party polling agents on election duties, polling procedures, and relevant legal provisions.

A similar initiative was introduced before the 12th parliamentary elections but had limited impact. EC officials are now hopeful that greater engagement and the entry of many new political parties will improve...