EC finalises draft code of conduct, bars advisers from campaigning
The Election Commission (EC) has finalised the draft Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
According to the draft, advisers of the interim government will not be allowed to participate in election campaigns. Foreign funding for campaign activities on social media platforms will also be prohibited. All candidates must unveil their manifestos on a common platform. Additionally, political parties will be required to sign a declaration pledging compliance with the code of conduct.
The final draft of the Code of Conduct 2025 was approved during the commission’s seventh meeting held on Thursday (June 19). Several recommendations from the Election System Reform Commission have been incorporated into the draft.
The proposed code also prohibits the use of posters in election campaigns. Violations may result in fines of up to Tk 1.5 lakh. Environmentally friendly provisions have also been introduced.
The commission meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, began at 11:15 am and lasted three hours.
Following the meeting, Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md Sanaullah said, “The draft code of conduct has been approved today. Several aspects of the draft are linked to proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the recommendations of the Consensus Commission. Therefore, the draft has been approved conditionally and will be published on the EC’s website.”
The Code of Conduct 2025 is based on earlier guidelines introduced in 2008. Under the updated version, the highest penalty for violating the code remains cancellation of candidature following investigation.
New provisions include restrictions on campaign activities by advisers, penalties for code violations, a ban on posters, measures to curb noise pollution, mandatory joint manifesto declarations, social media campaign regulations, and formal commitments by political parties to adhere to the code.