Posters banned in election campaigns; environmentally harmful banners prohibited

For the first time, the code of conduct for parliamentary elections has banned the use of posters as well as the use of drones for campaigning, along with campaigning abroad as political parties and candidates begin formal campaigning for the 13th parliamentary election today (22 January) under a stricter code of conduct.

The code bars the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with malicious intent in any election-related activity.

The Election Commission (EC) has warned that violations are punishable offences and could lead to the cancellation of candidacy.

Campaigning will be allowed until 48 hours before polling day.

To monitor compliance, two executive magistrates have been deployed in each upazila, alongside constituency-wise election inquiry committees.

Jasmine Tuli, a member of the Electoral Reform Commission and former additional secretary of the EC Secretariat, told The Business Standard that ensuring strict enforcement of the code of conduct is vital for a fair transition.

A total of 1,981 candidates, both party-backed and independents, are contesting the 12 February election.

Some 51 political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, are participating. The Awami League is not in the race due to its ban and suspended registration.

According to the code of conduct, no posters may be used, and the use of environmentally harmful materials, such as rexine, polythene, plastic, and other non-biodegradable items, for leaflets, handbills, festoons, or banners is strictly prohibited.

Candidates or their supporters are also barred from pasting or hanging campaign materials on buildings, walls, trees, fences, utility poles, government installations, or vehicles. Festoons, if used, must be made of cloth or jute.

Additional campaign restrictions billboards are permitted, however, candidates may use a maximum of one billboard per ward in each union, municipality, or metropolitan area, or a total of up to 20 billboards across the entire constituency, whichever is higher.

Billboard size must not exceed 16 feet by 9 feet.

All campaign materials must be in black and white, except for electronic and digital media. Only the candidate's own photograph and electoral symbol may be displayed. 

Banner size is capped at 10 feet by 4 feet, festoons at 18 inches by 24 inches, and leaflets must be no larger than A4 size.

The use of PVC and other non-biodegradable materials is completely banned, making environment-friendly materials mandatory.

Before campaigning begins, parties and candidates must submit a detailed campaign plan to the respective returning officer, including information on materials and social media platforms to be used.

Helicopters may be used only for the travel of top party leaders, but no campaign materials may be displayed or dropped from them.

The use of loudspeakers is limited to a maximum of three per rally, with sound levels not exceeding 60 decibels. Usage is allowed only between 2pm and 8pm.

Hate speech, false or distorted information, personal attacks, and provocative language are prohibited.

Derogatory remarks targeting women, minorities, or specific communities, as well as attempts to influence voters by exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments, are also banned.

Social media campaigning is permitted, but all accounts must be registered in advance with the returning officer.

Parties and candidates are required to submit written undertakings to comply with the "Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025."

Violations can result in up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk150,000 or both.

Candidacy may also be cancelled under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

In this election, a candidate may spend up to Tk2.5 million per constituency. 

If the number of voters exceeds 250,000, an additional expenditure of Tk10 per voter is allowed.

Of the 300 constituencies, 297 will allow spending above Tk2.5 million, with the highest ceiling of Tk8.04 million in Gazipur-2.

The total number of voters nationwide exceeds 127.7 million.

The parliamentary election and a referendum on the July Charter will both be held on 12 February.