EC bans posters in national polls

FE REPORT | Published: November 12, 2025 00:20:56

The Election Commission (EC) has banned the use of posters for electioneering in the upcoming 13th National Election, likely to be held in February next year, as part of sweeping reforms to campaign regulations.
"This is a fundamental change. The use of posters in the next national election has been banned," said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed while briefing reporters at the Nirbachan Bhaban at Agargaon on Tuesday.
He also announced that the commission will begin dialogue with political parties from Thursday, following the official gazette notification of the amended electoral code of conduct on Monday, which comes after the Representation of the People Order (RPO) Amendment Ordinance was issued on November 4.
Mr Ahmed said the EC had been waiting for the code of conduct to be finalised before launching talks with political parties.
"Since we have received the code of conduct that we were waiting for, we intend to start this dialogue from the day after tomorrow," he said.
"We have not yet decided who to invite. We will make that decision after further discussion," the EC official added.
Responding to a question about the High Court's ruling declaring the EC's decision to reduce the number of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat from four to three as illegal, the EC Secretary said the commission had not yet received a certified copy of the verdict. "Once we receive it, we will decide whether to appeal or to accept the order," he said.
Asked how many writ petitions have been filed regarding the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies, the EC Secretary said he could not specify the exact number at the moment.
The amended code of conduct bans not only the use of posters but also the use of drones for campaign purposes.
It also imposes strict restrictions on electioneering on social media, prohibits the use of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes, and limits the number of billboards to no more than 20 per constituency. Under the new rules, individuals found violating the code may face up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of Tk 150,000. Political parties could also be fined up to Tk 150,000 for breaches.