NCP directs candidates to strictly follow election code after EC warning
The directive prohibits any form of campaigning at religious institutions, government offices, and educational institutions
The National Citizen Party (NCP) today (21 January) issued a directive to the party candidates calling for strict adherence to the Election Commission's code of conduct ahead of the 13th national elections.
The move comes after the Election Commission (EC) yesterday (20 January) issued written warnings to four political parties, including NCP, for engaging in election campaigning ahead of the officially scheduled period for the upcoming elections.
Signed by NCP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud, the directive lays out detailed restrictions and guidelines for party candidates and campaigners, emphasising that the 'Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025' must be strictly followed when campaigning officially begins on 22 January.
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The directive prohibits any form of campaigning at religious institutions, government offices, and educational institutions. Use of vehicles – including buses, trucks, boats, and motorcycles – for processions or mass gatherings is banned, as are meetings in locations that may disrupt public movement.
Also Read: EC warns Jamaat, NCP and two other parties over early election campaigning
It also restricts the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for malicious purposes during the campaign. The use of drones, quadcopters, or other flying devices is also prohibited.
Regarding campaign materials, the directive specifies that only black-and-white posters, banners, leaflets, and handbills may be used, with strict size limits: banners (10x8 feet), festoons (18x24 inches), billboards (16x9 feet), and A4-size leaflets/handbills. A maximum of 20 billboards per candidate is permitted, and all materials must display the printer's name, address, and printing date. Campaign activities abroad are strictly banned.
Pandal construction is limited to 800 square feet, with only one election camp allowed per ward in unions, municipalities, or city corporation areas. Simultaneous use of multiple microphones or loudspeakers in the same area is also prohibited.
The NCP leadership expressed confidence that strict compliance with these instructions would ensure an orderly, lawful, and constructive election environment.
Party candidates, leaders, and activists have been urged to cooperate fully in upholding the rules.
Earlier on 18 January, the commission served show-cause notices on NCP candidate Nahid Islam for Dhaka-11 constituency and the party's chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary for Dhaka-8, for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by campaigning ahead of the scheduled period.
However, the party said its candidates were show-caused for campaigning in favour of the referendum.
The banners reading "Be in favour of the referendum for country's reform" was used as part of the referendum campaign and was not intended to promote Nahid Islam or his election symbol, said the party following the EC notice.
