Rules and restrictions for election campaign

Candidates and citizens both are preparing for an 18-day marathon of rallies, posters, and promises as the formal campaign season for Bangladesh‍‍`s 12th National Parliament election gets underway.

The campaign  began on Monday and will run through January 5, 8  am. 

Candidates and their supporters are required by the Electoral Code of Conduct to abide by certain guidelines throughout the campaign, which are specified in the guidelines for political parties and candidates.

Restrictions on processions and rallies 

Campaigning rights are equal for all registered political parties, their nominated candidates, independent candidates, and their representatives. None of them, however, are allowed to disrupt opposition‍‍` meetings, processions, or other campaign events. The authority must issue written authorization for the date, time, and location of any meeting in the order of receipt of the application. Local police authorities should be notified of the location and time of procession 24 hours in advance. It is illegal for candidates or their representatives to hold processions on highways that might hamper public movement. In case of disruption to any procession or gathering, organizers must notify the police so that appropriate action can be taken; taking action by themselves is not permitted.

Restrictions on posters, leaflets, or handbills

Candidates are not permitted to distribute posters, pamphlets, or handbills in banned areas of city corporations and municipal areas, such as buildings, walls, and trees. They can, however, be displayed elsewhere. Candidates are not permitted to set their campaign materials on top of or damage their opposition‍‍` materials. A poster‍‍`s maximum size is 23 inches by 18 inches. If a candidate is nominated by a political party, They can use the party chief‍‍`s image on campaign posters. The length, width, and height of the election symbol cannot exceed 3 meters.

Restrictions on vehicle usage 

Showdowns or processions using motor vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and motorcyclists, are not permitted for campaign-related purposes.
Helicopters and other forms of air transportation are not permitted to be utilized for political campaigns, although they may be used for transportation without advertising or distributing campaign materials.

Restrictions on wall writing

No election campaigning on walls or other structures is permitted. On any public or private property, no writing or drawing relevant to the election campaign is permitted.

Restrictions on construction, pandal set-up

During the election campaign, no gates or arcades can be built. Pandals cannot be larger than 400 square feet. Illumination powered by electricity is not permitted. There can be no election camps built over public spaces. Campaign materials with the candidate‍‍`s image or promotional speech are not permitted to be placed on clothing. At election camps, voters cannot be served or given food or drink.

Restrictions on provocative remarks 

Personal assaults or injury to gender, sectarianism, or religious values are not permitted. Election campaigning are not permitted in religious places. 
Any property damage or unwelcome disturbance is banned.
Money, guns, local influence, or government authority cannot be used to influence elections.

Restrictions on microphone use

From 2 pm to 8 pm, keep microphones and sound-amplifying equipment to minimal.

Restrictions on Campaigning with Government Facilities

Following the release of the election calendar, no political party, nominated candidate, independent candidate, or their representatives may use government resources for campaigning.

Police notification

The schedule, time, and location of election meetings or rallies must be communicated to the police in advance.

Overlapping of campaign materials prohibited 

One candidate‍‍`s campaign materials cannot be stacked on top of another‍‍`s.

Use of government facilities is prohibited

Campaign promotion is not permitted in any government office, rest house, circuit house, or dak bungalow.
Candidates can make sure that the election process is fair and organized by strictly following these guidelines.