The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has temporarily restricted the organization of religious sermons, known as waz mahfils, without prior approval until the completion of the 13th parliamentary elections on February 12, 2025. The EC has sent letters to the Home and Religious Affairs secretaries instructing them to oversee compliance, citing the need to maintain a neutral electoral environment. Returning officers may grant exceptions with written consent, and executive magistrates are to be present at approved events.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the directive is not a blanket ban but a measure to ensure that religious gatherings are not used for political campaigning. Religious leaders and Islamic scholars have strongly criticized the decision, calling it disruptive to long-standing cultural traditions and unnecessary given the peaceful nature of such events. They urged the government to reconsider the restrictions.

The EC also issued a separate letter to the Information Ministry, emphasizing equal media access for all candidates and prohibiting personal attacks during televised election discussions, aiming to ensure a fair and balanced campaign environment.