The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has removed all restrictions on the use of loudspeakers in parliamentary election campaigns, allowing candidates to deploy as many microphones as they wish within their constituencies. The decision comes through major amendments to the Political Parties and Candidates’ Code of Conduct 2025. Previously, candidates were limited to using three microphones per day. The EC also reduced the maximum fine for code violations from BDT 150,000 to BDT 100,000 and introduced several changes to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar said the relaxation aims to make the election more festive and participatory. However, internal EC sources revealed growing criticism over the influence of inexperienced and controversial officials in drafting these changes, with some alleging procedural errors in the election schedule and candidate nomination process. Critics warned that such missteps could undermine the credibility of the upcoming 13th parliamentary polls.

The EC’s revisions also allow previously banned political groups to nominate candidates under certain conditions, raising concerns about fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.