EC seeks public opinion on draft code banning posters

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday invited public opinion on the final draft of the revised Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, setting July 10 as the deadline for submissions.

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday invited public opinion on the final draft of the revised Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, setting July 10 as the deadline for submissions.

The EC issued a notification seeking public opinion over the draft code uploaded on its website – www.ecs.gov.bd, UNB reports.

“A draft of the Code of Conduct 2025 has been prepared, subject to amendment by the appropriate authority under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The nationals are requested to submit their thoughtful opinions before finalisation,” reads a notification signed by EC Deputy Secretary Dewan Md Sarwar Jahan.

The proposed code, approved in principle by the Commission on June 19, includes several key reforms, such as banning the use of posters in electoral campaigns, introducing billboard-based promotion and enabling candidates to campaign from a common platform.

The revised code has incorporated several proposals from the Electoral System Reform Commission.

The penalty for violating this code has been made stricter as the revised code raised the maximum fine from Tk 50,000 to Tk 150,000 by keeping the existing maximum six-month jail term unchanged.

Though the use of posters was banned, the provision for the use of billboards during the campaign was included for the first time.

It also bars election-time government advisers—now classified as VVIPs—from participating in campaign activities.

About the use of social media, the code specifically defined what can and cannot be done on social media platforms.

To curb sound pollution during campaigns, the revised code states that campaign-related sound levels must not exceed 60 decibels, in line with international standards.

As per the updated code, all candidates will be given scope to read their manifestos from a common platform arranged by the returning officer in each constituency.

Candidates currently serving on governing bodies of educational institutions must resign from their posts once their candidacy is confirmed, as per the new code.

According to the draft code, the commission will collect undertakings from political parties, making it binding for both parties and candidates to comply with the code of conduct.