Ban on aid distribution until election ends

The government has banned the distribution of aid or donation in electoral areas until the election is over, reports bdnews24.com.

It also instructed officials not to approve any development project in the election constituencies for the same period.

The Election Commission has to approve the fund release for any project if it is needed for special reasons, the government said in the notice.

The Local Government Division issued the order in the light of the election code of conduct.

Officials have been directed not to distribute any aid or donation or approve any development project in the election constituencies until the process of the national election ends, the government said.

"However, authorities have to take permission from the Election Commission if it is necessary to release funds for a project previously approved."

The instructions came as Bangladesh heads to the polls on December 30.