With the local government polls approaching, the Election Commission has banned posters for campaigning while allowing limited use of billboards for the first time in the electoral history of local bodies.
Banners, festoons, handbills and leaflets will be allowed if made from biodegradable materials, while plastic, polythene, PVC and rexine are banned.
The EC has introduced tougher codes of conduct for the five tiers of local government bodies -- union parishads, municipalities, upazilas, zilla parishads and city corporations. The new rules were published in gazettes last week, signed by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Candidates may set up one billboard per ward in city corporations and union parishads, with a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet. Upazila parishad candidates may use one billboard per ward, capped at 20 across the constituency, while zilla parishad candidates may use one per thana or upazila.
Campaign materials must be in black and white, carry no images other than the candidate’s photo and symbol, and exclude living animals.
Bangladesh currently has 4,580 union parishads, 330 municipalities, 500 upazila parishads, 61 district councils and 13 city corporations.
Starting with union parishads, the local government polls will begin at the end of the year, with the schedule expected in September, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said last week.
The EC has already updated the voter list, saying 12.86cr registered voters will vote in the local polls, and also updated the polling centre lists.
Akhtar Ahmed said, “The voter list, polling centres, and candidates, election materials are ready and the training of trainers will take one month which can be done after the schedule is announced.”
Under the new framework, the elections will be non-partisan, with candidates contesting on individual symbols.
The code also provides for disqualifying candidates for serious breaches, changes campaign hours, regulates social media activity and restricts sound systems, rallies and vehicles.
Campaigning is restricted to between noon and sunset, replacing the earlier 2:00pm-8:00pm window. Microphone use is limited to one per ward, with sound levels capped at 60 decibels.
Torch processions, helicopters and showdowns involving trucks, buses, motorcycles or boats are banned.
Candidates must register their social media platforms with returning officers before beginning online campaigns. Digital campaign expenditure will count towards election expenses.
The code also prohibits misuse of AI, including generating hate speech, misinformation, distorted images or fabricated election content.
Candidates or their agents found breaching the code may face immediate disqualification through a written order.
For union parishads, the punishment remains six months’ imprisonment and a Tk 10,000 fine. For other tiers, it is six months’ imprisonment and a Tk 50,000 fine.
