EC Imposes Total Ban on Posters for February 12 Election

The Chronify

February 1, 2026

In a move to modernize and green the electoral process, the Election Commission (EC) has strictly prohibited the use of posters for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and the July Charter Referendum.

The Election Commission has tightened the reins on electioneering as the campaign period enters its final stretch. Under the "Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025," a total ban has been placed on traditional posters. The EC Secretariat has directed all Returning Officers (ROs) and printing presses to ensure no posters are produced or displayed, noting that any violation could lead to six months of imprisonment or a fine of Tk 150,000.

Key restrictions under the new guidelines include:

Posters & Materials: Clause 7(a) completely outlaws posters. Clause 7(b) prohibits any materials made of rexine, polythene, or plastic.
Color Restrictions: All physical campaign materials-banners, leaflets, handbills, and festoons-must be printed in black and white only.
Size Specifications:

Banners: Maximum 10 feet by 4 feet (can be displayed horizontally or vertically).
Leaflets/Handbills: Maximum A4 size.
Festoons: Within 18 inches by 24 inches.

Content: Only the candidate’s own photograph and party symbol may be featured; portraits of other leaders are prohibited on these materials.

[Image showing standardized black-and-white campaign banner dimensions: 10ft x 4ft]

The campaign period, which began on January 22, is set to conclude at midnight on February 10, exactly 48 hours before the polls open. EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that while digital and electronic media are exempt from the black-and-white rule, they must still follow regulations regarding hate speech and the misuse of AI. Mobile strike forces and executive magistrates have been deployed nationwide to remove any unauthorized posters and ensure the "eco-friendly" mandate is respected.