Govt employees cannot campaign for 'Yes' or 'No' in referendum: EC

It asks presses not to print posters

FE Team | Published: January 29, 2026 23:35:44

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday said the government employees are not allowed to campaign in favour of either 'Yes' or 'No' in the upcoming referendum, report agencies.
The commission has issued the directive in a letter sent to all Returning Officers across the country.
"Any person employed in the service of the Republic may inform and raise awareness among the people about the referendum. But they are strictly prohibited from calling upon people in any manner to cast votes either in favour of 'Yes' or 'No' in the referendum," said the letter.
The EC asked the returning officers to take necessary measures in accordance with the legal provisions.
Earlier on Tuesday, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker said officials assigned to perform election duties will carry out publicity about the referendum but won't campaign for or against any side.
"Our position on the referendum is that we are encouraging people to participate in it. However, those entrusted with election duty will not legally work in favour of or against any side," he said.
The Election Commissioner said returning officers, assistant returning officers and other election officials would carry out publicity related to the referendum but would not take sides.
"No returning officer or assistant returning officer is campaigning for any side. Those appointed as returning officers cannot do that," he claimed.
Meanwhile, the EC on Thursday directed all printing presses to refrain from printing any kind of posters ahead of the upcoming referendum and the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.
The directive was issued following reports of the use of banned posters in election campaigns in different areas.
In a notification, the Commission said it has recently been observed that contesting candidates or persons on their behalf used posters during electioneering, which is a clear violation of Rule 7(a) of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025 and a punishable offence.