With the official campaign period for the 12th National Parliament election of Bangladesh now underway, candidates and citizens alike are gearing up for an 18-day marathon of rallies, posters, and promises.
The campaign period, started on Monday, will continue till 8am on January 5.
In accordance with the Electoral Code of Conduct, candidates and their supporters must adhere to specific rules during the campaign, as outlined in the code for political parties and candidates.
Restrictions on processions, rallies
All registered political parties, their nominated candidates, independent candidates, or their representatives enjoy equal campaigning rights. However, none of them is permitted to disrupt opponents' meetings, processions, or other campaign events.
Written permission from the authority is mandatory for the date, time, and venue of any meeting, granted in the order of receipt of the application.
To conduct a procession, local police authorities should be informed 24 hours in advance about the venue and time. Candidates or their representatives are prohibited from holding processions on roads that may disrupt public movement.
In case of disruption to any procession or meeting, organizers must inform the police for necessary action; taking action themselves is not allowed.
Restrictions on posters, leaflets, or handbills
Candidates are not allowed to display posters, leaflets, or handbills in prohibited areas, including buildings, walls, trees, etc., in city corporations and municipal areas. However, they can be displayed anywhere else.
Candidates cannot place their campaign materials over opponents' materials or cause damage to opponents' materials.
The maximum size for a poster is 23 inches x 18 inches. If nominated by a political party, a candidate can use the party chief's picture on posters. The election symbol's size cannot exceed 3 meters in length, width, and height.
Restrictions on use of vehicles
Showdowns or processions using mechanical vehicles, including trucks, buses, and motorcycles, cannot be for any campaign-related activities.
Helicopters or other air transport cannot be used for election campaigns but can be used for transportation without displaying or distributing campaign materials.
Restrictions on writing on walls
No election campaign is allowed by writing on walls or any other structure. No writing or drawing related to the election campaign is allowed on any public or private property.
Restrictions on construction, pandal set-up
No construction of gates or arcades is allowed for the election campaign. Pandals cannot exceed 400 square feet. Electric-powered illumination is prohibited.
No election camp can be constructed over public spaces. Campaign materials with the candidate's picture or promotional statements cannot be used on clothing.
Food or drink cannot be served or gifted to voters at election camps.
Restrictions on provocative statements
No statements promoting personal attacks or harm to gender, sectarianism, or religious values are allowed. No election campaigns are allowed in religious places.
Damage to any property or unwanted disturbance is prohibited.
Elections cannot be influenced by money, weapons, local influence, or government powers.
Restrictions on microphone use
Limit the use of microphones or sound-amplifying devices from 2 pm to 8 pm.
Restrictions on Campaigning with Government Facilities:
After the election schedule announcement, no political party, nominated candidate, independent candidate, or their representatives can use government resources for campaigning.
Police notification
The police must be informed in advance about the schedule, time, and place of election gatherings or rallies.
No overlapping of campaign materials
No campaign materials of one candidate can be placed over those of another candidate.
Govt facility usage prohibition
Government dak bungalows, rest houses, circuit houses, or any government office cannot be used for campaign promotion.
By strictly adhering to these rules, candidates can ensure a fair and orderly election process.
