No candidate or party can use loudspeakers for campaigning after 8pm: EC

The Election Commission (EC) has reiterated that no candidate or political party is allowed to use loudspeakers for election campaigning after 8:00pm, warning that any such act constitutes a clear violation of the electoral code of conduct.

Although the EC has imposed strict restrictions on the use of microphones and loudspeakers at public rallies, allegations have emerged that some candidates and political parties are ignoring the rules. The commission said action will be taken if written complaints are filed.

Under the Political Parties and Candidates Code of Conduct 2025, the EC has set specific limits on both the time and volume of loudspeaker use during election campaigns.

The code states that no registered political party, its nominated candidate, an independent candidate, or anyone campaigning on their behalf may use microphones or other sound-amplifying devices in any electoral area outside the time window of 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

The code further limits the number of loudspeakers to a maximum of three per rally. However, this restriction does not apply to microphones or loudspeakers used for general publicity purposes. The maximum permitted sound level has been set at 60 decibels.

Jasmine Tuli, a member of the Electoral Reform Commission and former additional secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, told The Business Standard that using loudspeakers at public meetings after 8:00pm is a clear violation of the law.

"The law clearly states what actions will be taken if the code of conduct is violated. Since the Election Commission is the enforcing authority, it will deal with the matter accordingly," she said.

For the first time, political parties and candidates were required to submit written undertakings pledging to follow the code of conduct at the time of filing nomination papers. However, allegations have surfaced that some are failing to honour those commitments.

Both political parties and candidates had to submit separate undertakings. If a candidate violates the code of conduct, the EC has the authority to impose fines not only on the individual candidate but also on the concerned political party.

According to the rules, a registered party may face financial penalties for violations committed by its candidates.

In their undertakings, political parties pledged to comply with all provisions of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025. These documents were signed by party presidents, general secretaries, or officials of equivalent rank.
Candidates were also required to submit individual undertakings, affirming that they and their campaign workers would accept punishment under existing laws if they violated the code. These undertakings carry the signatures of the candidate and two witnesses.

Under the code, an individual may face up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk1.5 lakh, or both for violations. Political parties may also be fined up to Tk1.5 lakh, while serious breaches may lead to cancellation of candidacy under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

Meanwhile, speaking to TBS, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the use of loudspeakers after 8:00pm is a clear breach of the code of conduct.

"Anyone from the area concerned can submit a written complaint stating that loudspeakers were used after the permitted hours and were heard by many people. The information must be submitted to the returning officer or assistant returning officer," he said.

To prevent irregularities in the parliamentary election, the EC has formed Electoral Inquiry Committees for each constituency. Masud said these committees are closely monitoring such violations.