No candidate can run in over three constituencies

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that no candidate will be allowed to contest in more than three constituencies in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.

A circular issued by the EC Secretariat cited Article 13Ka of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, which states that if an individual files nomination papers for more than three constituencies simultaneously, all their nominations will be considered invalid.

The circular also clarified that individuals holding an “office of profit” under the state will be ineligible to contest in national elections. Full-time positions in the Republic or in any government-controlled institution are considered offices of profit, and holders of such positions must resign to run for election.

Specifically, chairmen of Upazila, Zila, and Union Parishads; mayors of City Corporations and Pourashavas; responsible officials of various government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, or government-funded institutions; and contract staff at Bangladesh missions abroad must step down in accordance with the rules if they wish to contest.

The circular provided detailed instructions regarding the management of election expenses. Under Article 44Ka of the RPO, 1972, every election agent—or the candidate, if no agent is appointed—must open a separate bank account in a scheduled bank. All election-related expenditures, except personal costs, must be made from this account.

In line with the Election Conduct Rules, 2025, candidates are required to submit their projected sources of election expenses in Form-20 and a statement of assets, liabilities, and annual income-expenditure in Form-21 along with their nomination papers.