Dhaka, Nov 28 (IANS): Bangladesh prime minister's advisors, city mayors, and various local officials will have to quit their respective posts for contesting parliamentary elections following a latest directive of the country's Election Commission.

But municipal mayors of the local government are free to contest while retaining their posts, bdnews24.com reported.

The election hopefuls can collect nomination papers from offices of the returning officers until Dec 2 for the Jan 5 parliamentary elections. As the election is being held under a party-led government and Parliament remains in force, ministers and MPs can contest it even while holding on to their posts.

As the returning officers had asked the Election Commission if they should receive nomination papers from prime minister's advisors and local government representatives, the Election Commission reviewed the issue at a meeting Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters about the meeting, Election Commissioner Mohammed Shah Nawaz said: "We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of returning officers."

"After reviewing everything, the Chief Election Commissioner will inform (the media) of it on Thursday. Field-level directives will also be issued."

Municipal mayors could contest while remaining in office, he added.