The Election Commission (EC) has prohibited the use of posters in election campaigns and introduced tighter restrictions on banners under its Code of Conduct for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum scheduled for 12 February.
The official campaign period, which began on 22 January, will conclude at midnight on 10 February—48 hours before polling day.
During this period, candidates and political parties are required to comply with the revised rules, which ban posters entirely and regulate the size, format and materials of banners, leaflets and other campaign materials.
Under the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025, the use of posters for electioneering has been completely outlawed. Clause 7(a) of the code states that no posters of any kind may be used in campaigns.
In addition, Clause 7(b) bans campaign materials made from non-biodegradable substances such as rexine, polythene and plastic. Clause 7(e) further stipulates that all campaign materials—excluding electronic and digital media—must be printed in black and white only. This includes banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons.
The EC has set the maximum size of banners at 10 feet by 4 feet, while leaflets and handbills must not exceed A4 size. Festoons must be within 18 inches by 24 inches. Only the candidate’s own photograph and electoral symbol are permitted on these materials.
The commission has also issued a clarification on the use of banners, which has been communicated to returning officers through a letter signed by Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed.
The letter states that banners may be displayed either horizontally or vertically, provided they do not exceed the prescribed dimensions.
Meanwhile, printing presses have been instructed not to print posters for election campaigns. In a notification signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mollik, the commission said it had detected the use of posters in some areas, describing it as a clear violation of the Code of Conduct and a punishable offence.
The notification emphasised that registered political parties, nominated and independent candidates, as well as their campaigners, must strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct.
