The Election Commission (EC) has ordered a stop to the advance campaigns of possible candidates for the Gazipur and Khulna city corporation elections by 12am on April 12.
The commission also instructed to remove banners, festoons, posters, billboards, wall-writing, arcades, and pandals for the campaigns before the same date.
The instructions were conveyed through a letter signed by Election Commission Joint Secretary Farhad Ahmed Khan on Tuesday.
The letter was sent to the chief executive officers of the Gazipur and Khulna city corporations, deputy inspector general of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police.
In the letter, the EC asked the city corporation authorities to take necessary steps for the proper removal of campaign materials within the stipulated time frame, while also asking to be provided with updates on the work.
EC officials said legal action would be taken against candidates and others concerned if campaign materials and posters were not removed in time. The punishment includes a maximum six months in jail, a Tk50,000 fine, or both. The commission may also cancel the culprit’s candidacy.
Earlier, the EC had issued a letter ordering a stop to advance campaigns for the Gazipur and Khulna city polls by April 8. However, as not all candidates stopped their campaigns, the commission has now given them extra time till April 12.
As per the election schedule, the last day for submission of nomination papers to the returning officer is on April 12, the nomination papers will be verified on April 15 and 16, and the last day to withdraw will be on April 23. Voting is set to begin on May 15.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
