EC warns Jamaat, NCP and two other parties over early election campaigning

The Election Commission (EC) has issued written warnings to four political parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), for engaging in election campaigning ahead of the officially scheduled period for the 13th parliamentary elections.

The warnings were sent on Tuesday to the heads of the parties concerned, with the EC directing them to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct.

The move followed a written complaint filed on 13 January with the chief election commissioner by BNP standing committee member and central election steering committee chairman, Nazrul Islam Khan.

In the complaint, the BNP alleged that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance partner, the National Citizen Party, along with Bangladesh Islami Andolan and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, had continued electioneering activities in various constituencies before 21 January, the date set under the election schedule.

According to the complaint, such activities constitute a clear violation of Rule 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025 and Clause (3a)(ch) of Article 44 Ka of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

The BNP said that while it was adhering to the code of conduct, rival political parties were openly violating election rules by campaigning early, which it said undermined the level playing field.

This is not only a violation of election law, but also damages the level playing field, while the Election Commission has remained mysteriously indifferent, the complaint stated.

The party urged the EC to take effective measures to ensure that all candidates comply with the code of conduct and that equal opportunities are maintained for all contestants.

In response, the EC secretariat on Tuesday sent letters to the ameers of Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan and Khelafat Majlish, as well as to the chief of the NCP, asking them to refrain from early campaigning.

After reviewing the allegations, the EC also cautioned party leaders and members to exercise restraint and to stop campaigning before the officially permitted period.

No immediate response was available from the parties concerned regarding the EC's letters.

However, Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP have also submitted complaints to the Election Commission against the BNP.

Their leaders have questioned the EC's neutrality and criticised its role in ensuring a level playing field for all parties.

Asked about the issue, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday said parties had been warned against campaigning before the officially designated period.

"We have warned against early campaigning. Based on complaints and documents submitted by the BNP, four parties have been cautioned," he said.

He further said the list of contesting candidates had now been finalised and election symbols would be allocated on Wednesday. 

Cooperation from both political parties and candidates was essential to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct, he added.

Expressing satisfaction with the overall election environment, Akhtar also said that alongside maintaining a normal law and order situation, ensuring a conducive election environment required cooperation from all stakeholders. 

He said a meeting would be held on Wednesday at the chief adviser's office to review voting arrangements and the law and order situation.

Meanwhile, considering potential security risks to contesting candidates ahead of the election, the EC secretariat has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking necessary measures.

The letter requested security arrangements for seven leaders, including the ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as for a BNP candidate, officials said.