EC bans posters in national election campaigns

Highlights:

• Leaflets, billboards, banners, festoons, social media allowed
• Microphone sound limited to 60 decibels
• Campaign duration fixed at three weeks
• Promotional clothing rules relaxed
• Penalty for violations raised to 6-month jail or Tk1.5 lakh fine
• Advisory Council members barred from campaigning

The Election Commission has banned the use of posters in campaigns for the upcoming national election, while allowing leaflets, billboards, banners, festoons, and social media promotion under a revised code of conduct.

Announcing the decision at the EC headquarters in Dhaka today (19 June), Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the draft "Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025" has been approved in principle and will be published online for public feedback.

"The use of posters in election campaigns has been prohibited," said Sanaullah, noting that the reform aligns with recommendations from the Election Reform Commission.

"We've agreed unanimously. But billboards, banners, and festoons will be permitted, with newly defined guidelines," he added.

There has also been some relaxation of earlier restrictions on promotional clothing, such as T-shirts and jackets, according to the commissioner.

The EC also approved a number of other changes, including the maximum penalty for violating the code has been increased. Offenders may now face up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk1.5 lakh – triple the previous maximum fine of Tk50,000.

The revised code also includes new restrictions on campaigners. Members of the Advisory Council have been designated as "Very Important Persons enjoying government privileges" and will no longer be allowed to campaign for candidates.

Candidates serving as presidents or members of governing bodies of educational institutions must resign before contesting the election, according to the new rules. 

In addition, all contestants in a constituency will be required to present their manifestos from a common platform organised by the returning officer.

"The idea is to bring all candidates together so that voters can compare pledges side by side," Sanaullah said.

He added that candidates and parties will now be required to sign an undertaking pledging to comply with the code of conduct.

Other key additions include limits on sound levels during microphone use – capped at 60 decibels – and the continuation of a three-week campaign window. 

Televised dialogues among candidates will be permitted to promote policy-based campaigning. The EC also decided to introduce voter slips for easier identification during polling.

Sanaullah further noted that the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Section 91/Uma, has been incorporated into the code of conduct for the first time. 

This provision allows for disqualification of a candidate in cases of serious violations. Though the RPO previously allowed for such disqualification, it was not explicitly referenced in the electoral code.

"The inclusion of this RPO clause strengthens our ability to act against serious misconduct," he said.