Posters banned in electioneering as EC tightens rules on banner use
Under the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025, the use of posters has been completely prohibited.
The Election Commission (EC) has banned the use of posters in electioneering and imposed stricter controls on banners under its Code of Conduct for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the referendum, both scheduled for February 12.
The campaign period, which began on January 22, will end at midnight on February 10—48 hours before polling begins. During this time, candidates and political parties must comply with the revised restrictions, which outlaw posters entirely and limit the size, format and materials of banners, leaflets and other campaign items.
Under the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025, the use of posters has been completely prohibited. Clause 7(a) of the code states that no posters of any kind may be used for election campaigning.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
In addition, clause 7(b) bans the use of campaign materials made from non-biodegradable substances such as rexine, polythene or plastic.
Clause 7(e) further stipulates that all campaign materials—excluding electronic and digital media—such as banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons must be printed in black and white only.
The maximum banner size is 10 feet by 4 feet, while leaflets and handbills must not exceed A4 size. Festoons must be within 18 inches by 24 inches. Only the candidate's own photograph and electoral symbol may be displayed on these materials.
The EC has also issued a clarification on banner usage through a letter sent to returning officers, signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The letter states that banners may be displayed either horizontally or vertically, provided they remain within the prescribed size of 10 feet by 4 feet.
Meanwhile, printing presses have been instructed not to print posters for election campaigns.
In a notification signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mollik, the commission said poster use had been detected in some areas, which constitutes a clear violation of the Code of Conduct and is a punishable offence.
The notification emphasised that registered political parties, nominated candidates, independent candidates and their campaigners must strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct.
