The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has instructed all returning and election officials not to engage in any campaign related to the ongoing referendum, warning them against supporting either the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ side. The EC said the directive aims to preserve neutrality and credibility in the electoral process and may be formally communicated to the government. Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar confirmed that all officers involved in election duties must refrain from referendum campaigning to avoid questions about impartiality.

The EC has also decided to amend sections of the electoral code of conduct midway through the election schedule, a move that has sparked debate about its timing and consistency. The revisions include lifting the restriction on using only three microphones at political rallies and allowing candidates to distribute voter slips containing their names, party affiliations, and symbols. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed these changes, citing practical needs.

Civil society leader Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar criticized the mid-election amendments, saying they could cause confusion at the grassroots level and undermine confidence in the EC’s decision-making process.