Despite a new Election Commission (EC) ban on posters in election campaigns, Dhaka and other parts of the country are already flooded with campaign materials ahead of the 13th national polls.
The capital is covered with posters, banners, and oversized billboards plastered on trees, walls, road dividers, electric poles, overbridges, metro rail pillars — even in front of the Election Commission building itself.
The violations not only undermine the city’s appearance but also openly flout the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, issued on November 10.
EC warning, little compliance
In last month’s dialogue with political parties, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin warned: “Dhaka city is covered with posters. We have banned posters. They must be removed… When the schedule is announced, we will act, and we will act decisively.”
The rules expressly prohibit public rallies, roadshows, and any form of poster-based campaigning. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 20 billboards per constituency, each no larger than 16 by 9 feet. But many of the billboards currently displayed far exceed these limits.
While lights are permitted only on digital billboards, any other lighting is now a punishable offense.
The amended code also sets strict size limits for banners (maximum 10x4 feet), leaflets (A4), and festoons (18x24 inches). All must be in black and white. The use of anyone’s image other than that of the candidate—and in some cases the party chief—has also been restricted.
Furthermore, affixing campaign materials on public or private property, including buildings, trees, poles and vehicles, is strictly prohibited.
Action after schedule announcement
The EC previously stated that all posters must be removed before the election schedule is announced. But with the announcement imminent, no visible effort has been made by candidates or parties.
Asked about the delay, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Mausad said that the commission will take action immediately after the schedule is made public.
“We will announce beforehand that everything must be removed immediately after the schedule. If they still do not remove them, we will take action for violation of the code of conduct,” he said.
When reminded that the EC had earlier called for removal before the schedule, he replied,
“We don’t have parallel dictations. We will start from after the schedule. For now, they will do as they wish — but everything will have to be removed.”
He urged citizens to report oversized or illegal billboards, saying the EC remains “in a strong position” on enforcing billboard restrictions.
Strict penalties
The new amendment provides for strict punishments: up to six months’ imprisonment, fines of up to Tk150,000, or both. The EC can also cancel a candidacy upon investigation.
DSCC issues public notice
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has also issued a public notice stating that posters, banners, festoons, and campaign leaflets displayed anywhere in DSCC without permission violate the Wall Writing and Poster Posting (Control) Act, 2012.
It urged candidates and organizations to remove all such materials voluntarily or face legal action.
