Posters banned in national election: parties and candidates limited to online campaigning

Political parties and candidates will no longer be permitted to use any kind of posters in the upcoming national parliamentary election. The Election Commission (EC) has introduced this restriction, marking the first ever poster-free election campaign.

On Monday, the EC published the “Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025”, outlining what parties and candidates may and may not do during the election period. The revised code also provides guidance on campaigning through online and digital platforms.

Under the new rules, violations of the code may result in a maximum six-month prison sentence and a fine of BDT 150,000. The same fine may also be imposed on the political party concerned. In addition, the EC retains the authority to cancel candidacies if necessary, following an investigation.

Officials from the Election Commission have stated that the ban on posters aims to make the election more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and orderly, while encouraging the use of social media and online campaigning.