Parties slam EC over gaping code loopholes
The Election Commission (EC) came under sharp criticism from several political parties on Wednesday over what they described as inconsistencies, ambiguities and enforcement challenges in the newly issued election code of conduct.
During a day-long dialogue at the EC Secretariat, representatives from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and several smaller parties questioned the Commission’s ability and intent to ensure a level playing field ahead of the national polls.
Jamaat representative and Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir said the rules were contradictory.
“Sub-section 7(A) clearly says posters are prohibited, but 7(D) restricts how posters may be removed. Why impose a ban if posters exist in the first place?” he asked.
He also noted that while penalties are mentioned in the rules, no authority is designated to impose them. “The law should clearly state who has the power to punish violations.”
NCP Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa echoed similar concerns. “Those following the code are not even part of the election process,” he alleged, claiming the rules are built on an oppressive enforcement mechanism with no clarity on investigation or timelines.
He said requiring billboards to be made only from cloth was unrealistic and puts smaller parties at a disadvantage. “You have framed rules, but lack both the structure and goodwill to enforce them.”
Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki criticised the removal of thousands of existing billboards. “A candidate with limited resources now enters the field already behind,” he said, adding that the ban on materials like plastic posters left almost no practical campaigning options beyond leaflets.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moin Khan said the rules were unnecessarily complicated. “The more regulations you impose, the higher the chances they will be violated.”
Nationalist Democratic Movement leader Mohammad Mominul Amin objected to the mandatory use of individual party symbols even within alliances, arguing it “undermines the core strategy behind coalition politics.”
Several other party representatives raised concerns over controlling muscle power, money influence and ensuring equal campaigning rights.
Bangladesh Minority Janata Party secretary general Sukriti Kumar Mandal demanded strict provisions to protect minority voters: “If minorities are attacked or intimidated, the candidate’s nomination should be immediately cancelled.”
Insaniyat Biplob Secretary General Sheikh Raihan Rahbar proposed mobile-based biometric voting as an alternative to the current system.
Responding to the criticism, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said the code was drafted based on recommendations from past reform commissions and revised after public feedback. “If further clarification is required for the sake of implementation, the Commission will consider it,” he said.
Wednesday’s dialogue included two sessions and representatives from at least 12 political parties. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, other commissioners and senior EC officials were present.