The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has finalized campaign guidelines for candidates in the 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled in 20 days. Returning officers completed symbol allocations on Wednesday, and official campaigning began Thursday, continuing until 10 February at 7:30 a.m. The EC urged all candidates and parties to strictly follow the code of conduct to ensure a free, fair, and neutral election.

Under the new rules, candidates are prohibited from using posters for the first time in the country’s election history. Campaign materials must be black and white, with strict size limits for banners, leaflets, handbills, and festoons. The use of polythene, rexine, or any non-biodegradable material is banned. Candidates may use up to 20 billboards per constituency, and only their own portrait or the party leader’s image may appear on campaign materials. Public rallies require 24-hour prior notice to authorities and must not obstruct public movement.

The EC also restricted the use of vehicles, torches, and aircraft in campaigns and introduced penalties for spreading false or AI-generated misinformation. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or even cancellation of candidacy.