A surge in violations of the electoral code of conduct has been reported nationwide ahead of the parliamentary election and the referendum, with clashes and attacks rising.
Complaints from multiple areas allege that candidates and their supporters are obstructing their opponents from campaigning in blatant disregard of the code, while election-related violence has already claimed lives.
According to the Election Commission (EC), at least 275 violations of the code of conduct have been recorded over the past 24 days. The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates allows for imprisonment, fines and even cancellation of candidature, but in practice the EC has largely disposed of cases with light penalties.
Election analysts warn that failure to act decisively – even on minor violations – could further embolden offenders and worsen the situation.
On 28 January, Maulana Rezaul Karim, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sribardi upazila unit, was killed in a clash between BNP and Jamaat activists over front-row seating during an election manifesto-reading programme organised by the Jhenaigati upazila administration for rival candidates in Sherpur-3 constituency. The EC responded by withdrawing the upazila nirbahi officer and the officer-in-charge of the relevant police station.
On 31 January, at least seven people from both sides were injured in clashes between BNP and Jamaat activists while returning from an election rally in Chauddagram, Cumilla. The EC has yet to initiate action against candidates or supporters of either party.
On Sunday night, the office of NCP candidate SM Jargis Kadir in Natore-3 (Singra), under the 11-party electoral alliance, was attacked, vandalised and workers were assaulted. Police brought the situation under control, but the NCP alleges the EC has taken no visible action.
On 25 January, at an election rally organised by Jamaat-e-Islami in Dhaka-6 constituency, a party leader described voting for the “scales” symbol as an act of worship despite the code explicitly prohibiting the use of religion in campaigning. The commission has not acted on the matter.
On Monday, a mobile court seized and destroyed a large quantity of colourful PVC festoons kept for use by Jamaat candidate Jashim Uddin at his Hazaribagh campaign office in Dhaka-10 constituency. Law enforcement agencies said legal action would follow, but no further steps have been reported.
BNP and Jamaat leaders have also repeatedly exchanged allegations of attacks and harassment of their women activists by rival parties, with the EC remaining silent on the complaints.
Meanwhile, several constituencies have been plastered with banned banners. In Dhaka-13, colourful posters of BNP-nominated candidate Bobby Hajjaj and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque were seen.
In Dhaka-12, banners and festoons of BNP, Jamaat and Ganosamhati Andolon nominees Saiful Haque, Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Taslima Akhter, alongside independent candidate Saiful Alam Nirab, were visible. Similar violations were observed in Dhaka-8, Dhaka-2 and Dhaka-15, with enforcement largely limited to show-cause notices.
176 cases, over 275 violations, Tk18.26 lakh in fines
Field officials of the Election Commission have filed 176 cases over code of conduct violations so far.
Md Saiful Islam, member secretary of the central coordination committee for the referendum and parliamentary election and director (operations) of the NID wing, told TIMES of Bangladesh on Monday that between 8 January and 1 February, 275 violations were recorded across 257 constituencies.
Fines totalling Tk18.26 lakh were imposed and 176 cases filed.
Data from executive magistrates show violations accelerating as polling day approaches. Between 8 and 22 January, 94 violations were recorded over 14 days, compared with 181 in the nine days that followed. The highest daily count – 29 violations – was recorded on 28 January.
89 clashes between rival supporters, 5 killings
According to interim government data, 274 incidents of election-related violence have occurred so far. These include 89 clashes between rival supporters, five killings, 16 incidents of intimidation or aggressive behaviour, 15 attacks on candidates, three cases involving illegal firearms, nine incidents of threats, 29 cases of obstruction to campaigning, 20 attacks involving vandalism or arson on election-related offices, 17 blockades or protests, one attack on minorities and 70 other incidents.
15 political activists killed after schedule: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said at least 15 political activists were killed nationwide in the 36 days following the announcement of the election schedule.
In a report released on Monday, the organisation warned that the failure to recover looted weapons and the issuance of new firearm licences to political figures have heightened the risk of violence. With only 9 to 10 per cent of election-duty personnel drawn from the police, overall security coverage remains inadequate.
The report also cited more than 50 attacks on minorities in 2025, raising concerns over the electoral environment, while identifying the spread of deepfakes and misinformation as a growing challenge.
Experts urge visible action
Former Election Commission official and Election System Reform Commission member Jasmine Tuli told TIMES that immediate action is essential whenever violations occur.
Any deviation from the law must be addressed promptly, she said, warning that weak enforcement could encourage further breaches.
Election expert Abdul Alim said the EC must take a firm stance while ensuring the law-and-order situation does not deteriorate, adding that even minor campaign incidents should trigger visible action.
Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar said complaints received by the EC are handled at multiple levels, including returning officers, mobile courts and electoral inquiry and judicial committees.
“Mobile courts are operating every day. We receive daily reports – cases are filed, fines imposed and show-cause notices issued,” he said.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud said on Wednesday that strict action is being taken against violations of the code of conduct.
He said legal action would be taken in accordance with the law if any candidate, voter or person assigned to election duties violates the code. To monitor compliance, 300 electoral inquiry and adjudication committees are working across the country, alongside regular mobile courts led by executive magistrates.
He added that even if a mobile court, a law enforcement agency or any official engaged in election duties violates the code of conduct, complaints can be lodged against them. In serious cases, EC may also initiate investigations on its own and take the necessary action.
