Dhaka, Sep 04 (V7N) – The Election Commission (EC) has introduced new restrictions on electioneering for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, including a ban on posters and a limit of 20 billboards per constituency.

According to the updated code of conduct for political parties and candidates, billboards may not exceed 16 feet in length and 9 feet in width, with each candidate permitted to use a maximum of 20 billboards in their parliamentary area.

In addition, the EC has prohibited the use of drones, quadcopters, or similar devices both on election day and during the campaign period.

The revised rules, aligned with proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), were sent to the Law Ministry on Wednesday for vetting.

The updated code also introduces several new measures, including:

  • Provisions to prevent cyberbullying of women during campaigns.

  • A ban on physical campaigning abroad on behalf of candidates.

  • Punishment for using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread falsehoods or propaganda.

The EC has also proposed stricter penalties for violations. Candidates found guilty of breaking the code of conduct may face cancellation of candidacy, while the maximum fine has been raised from Tk 50,000 to Tk 150,000. The existing provision of up to six months’ imprisonment remains in place.

Most of the previous rules have been retained, but the EC says the new clauses were added to reflect the evolving challenges of campaign practices in the digital age.

END/SMA/AJ