From streets to screens: Law poses no bar to online campaign, says EC
With Bangladesh just 34 hours away from a historic parliamentary election and referendum, the campaign trail has shifted from loud rallies and packed processions to smartphone screens and online conversations.
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Tuesday said candidates are still allowed to campaign digitally, even though formal electioneering has officially ended. His remarks came during a press briefing at the Election Commission building, offering clarity at a time when the country is entering the final stretch before voting day.
As posters fade and microphones fall silent, social media timelines and messaging platforms are now becoming the last battleground for candidates seeking to reach undecided voters.
Campaign silence, but not total shutdown
Sanaullah explained that the end of formal campaigning means an end to public rallies, processions and large-scale physical events. However, he stressed that the law does not prevent candidates or their supporters from communicating with voters online or through direct personal contact.
According to the commissioner, lawful engagement such as digital messaging, online appeals or meeting voters individually does not violate the code of conduct. The aim, he indicated, is to maintain order and reduce tensions while still allowing democratic interaction in the crucial hours before polling.
The shift highlights how election strategies are evolving, with many candidates now relying on livestreams, short video messages and targeted online outreach instead of traditional street campaigns.
Countdown to voting day
The Election Commission’s clarification comes as the country prepares for one of its most closely watched elections, paired with a referendum that could shape future governance reforms. Security forces are already on heightened alert, and campaigning on the ground has largely stopped, creating a calmer atmosphere across major cities.
Political observers say the allowance for online campaigning reflects a balance between enforcing electoral discipline and acknowledging the growing role of digital platforms in modern politics.
Results may take longer
Sanaullah also urged patience over the announcement of results. He said counting could take more time than usual because expatriate postal ballots include more than a hundred electoral symbols, adding complexity to the tallying process.
“There should be no rush,” he told journalists, emphasising the need for accuracy over speed.
Watch on money flows
As the final hours tick down, the Election Commission has also tightened monitoring of financial activities. Sanaullah said the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has been asked to keep a vigilant eye on potential use of illicit funds during the election period, signalling concern over last-minute attempts to influence voters.
With physical campaigning now largely off the streets and the digital space taking centre stage, Bangladesh enters the final countdown to a vote many are calling a turning point. The coming hours will test not only the preparedness of authorities but also how effectively candidates can make their last appeals through screens rather than stages.