Campaigning for 'Yes' or 'No' by govt officials punishable offence: EC
To implement the instruction, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, returning officers and other relevant officials have been asked to take appropriate steps.
The Election Commission (EC) has instructed government officials and employees to refrain from taking part in any kind of campaign in favour of either "Yes" or "No".
In this regard, the Election Commission Secretariat issued directives today (29 January) stating that under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, any person employed in the service of the republic may inform or make the public aware about the referendum.
However, he or she cannot, in any way, call upon voters to cast votes in favour of either "Yes" or "No" in the referendum.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The EC said that such activities may influence the outcome of the referendum. As a result, under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the RPO, 1972, this will be considered a punishable offence.
The directive further said that all concerned are requested, as per instruction, to take necessary measures in accordance with the mentioned laws.
For the implementation of this directive, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, returning officers and concerned officials have been asked to take necessary measures.
In addition, copies of the directive have been sent for information and effective action to the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the chief adviser, various ministries and divisions, Bangladesh Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar and VDP, law enforcement agencies, and all other offices concerned.
