The Election Commission is set to enhance surveillance on mobile financial service (MFS) transactions to prevent the influence of black money and attempts to sway voters during local government elections.
As part of this initiative, the commission is incorporating a provision in the amended code of conduct that prohibits the collection of National Identity (NID) cards and mobile banking numbers – including bKash, Nagad, and Upay – belonging to voters and their family members.
The draft of the revised code of conduct covers five types of local government institutions, specifically the Union Parishad, Pourashava, City Corporation, Upazila Parishad, and Zila Parishad.
This document was sent to the Ministry of Law last Saturday for vetting, and the regulations will be finalised following the ministry’s approval.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that the draft has been forwarded for vetting, though he declined to provide further details regarding the specific contents.
Monitoring digital transactions
Relevant sources indicate that the commission plans to monitor mobile financial transactions from the announcement of the election schedule until polling day.
While the commission will not oversee transactions directly, it intends to provide necessary instructions to the relevant authorities to monitor the process.
Moreover, the amended code introduces strict guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media.
Candidates, their agents, or associates must submit identification details – including account names, IDs, and email addresses – of the social media platforms they intend to use for campaigning to the Returning Officer before commencing activities.
Tackling AI and hate speech The use of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes, such as creating deepfakes, spreading misinformation, or distorting faces, is strictly prohibited.
Candidates are also barred from publishing or sharing any content that is defamatory, hateful, obscene, or intended to harass individuals or mislead voters.
Hate speech targeting any group based on race, religion, caste, gender, or community is banned, alongside the misuse of religious or ethnic sentiments for electoral gain.
Strict curbs on traditional campaigning
Under the new rules, the use of traditional posters is prohibited, though candidates may use billboards, banners, festoons, social media, and mobile caravans for campaigning. The use of loudspeakers is restricted to the period between 12pm and sunset.
No electioneering is allowed before the allocation of symbols, and during the collection and submission of nomination papers, processions or “showdowns” are banned. Candidates may be accompanied by a maximum of five supporters during the submission process.
Public rallies and processions are also prohibited, with candidates limited to public meetings and indoor gatherings. Organisers must notify local police at least 24 hours in advance regarding the time and venue of such meetings.
The commission has also banned the use of non-biodegradable materials, such as rexine, polythene, and plastic, for campaign leaflets and banners. Additionally, candidates are prohibited from using televisions or DVD players in election camps and from using helicopters or other aircraft for campaigning.
Further restrictions include a ban on constructing gates, arches, or barricades that obstruct movement, and the use of electrical illumination for decoration is forbidden.
Election camps or pandals must not exceed 350 square feet in size. Candidates are also prohibited from wearing shirts, jackets, or clothing featuring candidate photos or symbols during the campaign.
The code further stipulates that any candidate serving as a chairperson or member of an educational institution’s governing body cannot chair or participate in meetings of that institution during the pre-election period. Violation of these amended provisions may lead to the cancellation of candidacy.
