NCP says media misrepresented its remarks on use of Zia, Tarique's photos in campaigns

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has claimed that several media outlets misrepresented its position regarding the use of Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman's photos in election campaigns.

In a statement today (19 November), party's Joint Member Secretary and Law Secretary Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa said the party's comments were made strictly on the basis of existing electoral laws.

"We emphasised that the provisions under the 'Code of Conduct, 2025' for political parties and candidates ahead of the election, particularly clause 7(cha), must be implemented properly. This rule applies to all political parties," he said.

Musa added, "The BNP was cited only as an example, not as a personal attack. But the way some headlines were written might send a misleading message."

Clause 7(cha) states that a candidate nominated by a registered political party may only use the portrait-style photo of the party's current chief on campaign posters, leaflets, handbills and festoons. The photo cannot depict the leader addressing a rally or in a prayer posture.

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Referring to the provision, Musa said, "According to the law, BNP candidates may only use the image of their current party chief, Khaleda Zia. But we observe that this rule is not being followed, and we asked the EC to ensure proper enforcement."

Earlier in the day, seven political parties held a meeting with the Election Commission, where NCP urged the commission to take immediate action if BNP candidates use photos of Ziaur Rahman or Tarique Rahman during their campaigns, noting that doing so would be a key test of the commission's ability to enforce the updated code of conduct.

The remarks, however, were later reflected in the headlines of several media outlets in a way that suggested NCP itself objected to the use of Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman's photos — something the party says distorts their actual position.