EC prepares over 80 lakh leaflets, 57,000 banners for referendum campaign

The Election Commission (EC) has begun extensive campaigning across the country using banners and leaflets as the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum is scheduled to hold on 12 February. 

Ahead of the referendum, around 80.42 lakh leaflets and 57,000 banners are being prepared for nationwide distribution, according to the EC. 

The leaflets will be distributed throughout the country, while large banners measuring 10 feet by 4 feet will be displayed in public places and 3 feet by 5 feet banners will be placed in front of polling centers, EC Secretariat's Director (Public Relations) and information officer Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik told BSS today.

He said the printing of leaflets is underway at BG Press, and distribution will begin from January 5. In addition, nearly 15 thousand large banners (10 ft x 4 ft) will be displayed in front of returning officers' offices and public spaces, and 42,766 banners (3 ft x 5 ft) will be placed in front of polling stations. Those are also being prepared, he added.

The EC-approved leaflets and banners for the referendum campaign contain the following message: "Do you express your consent to the proposals related to the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment), 2025, and the constitutional reforms recorded in the July National Charter? (Yes/No)."

The leaflets and banners outline the main proposals:

"The caretaker government during elections, the Election Commission, and other constitutional institutions will be formed according to the process described in the July Charter."

"The next National Parliament will have a two-chamber structure, with an upper house of 100 members formed proportionally according to votes obtained by parties in the parliamentary election, and any constitutional amendment will require approval by the majority of the upper house members."

"Implementation of 30 specific measures agreed in the July Charter, including increased representation of women in Parliament, election of Deputy Speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from opposition parties, protection of fundamental rights, independence of the judiciary, local government, Prime Minister's tenure, President's powers, among others, will be mandatory for political parties winning the next parliamentary election."

"Other reforms described in the July Charter will be implemented as per political parties' commitments."

Finally, the leaflets and banners provide options for voters to cast their response as "Yes" or "No."