The Election Commission (EC) has finalised its new Code of Conduct for the upcoming parliamentary elections, introducing stricter regulations to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media during campaigns.
The updated guidelines also impose bans on the use of posters, drones, and non-biodegradable materials in election-related activities. According to the updated rules, AI cannot be employed for any malicious purposes, including in election campaigning.
Additionally, political candidates or their agents must submit their social media account details, including IDs and email addresses, to the returning officers before the start of the campaign.
The new rules prohibit the dissemination of harmful content such as hate speech, misinformation, or disfiguring images of political opponents. Campaigners are also banned from using derogatory or inflammatory language targeting specific groups, including women and minorities.
The penalties for violating the code have become more stringent. Offenders now face up to six months of imprisonment and a Tk150,000 fine, a significant increase from the previous fine of Tk50,000.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, emphasised the discouragement of AI use in campaigns.
He confirmed that the Election Commission would closely monitor the application of these regulations, adding that no action could be taken if AI or social media platforms violated the code.
The EC also announced that the Representation of the People Order (RPO) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which aims to implement these changes, has been sent to the Law Ministry for approval.
The code also prohibits the use of non-biodegradable materials, including rexine, plastic, and polythene, in election-related paraphernalia such as banners, handbills, and posters.
The revised guidelines also limit the use of billboards in electoral constituencies, capping the total number at 20, with each billboard restricted to a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet.
In line with these rules, high-ranking officials, including the prime minister, speaker, and opposition leaders, are classified as “Very Important Persons” (VVIPs), with restrictions placed on their involvement in election programs.
VVIPs will be barred from visiting electoral constituencies during by-elections.
The code also bans the use of drones, quadcopters, or similar devices for campaign activities, particularly during voting hours. However, the use of helicopters for campaign purposes is still allowed, but no promotional materials can be dropped from them.
Another significant change pertains to loudspeakers, with new restrictions set for sound levels during campaigns. The volume of microphones or loudspeakers used in election campaigns must not exceed 60 decibels, and they can only be used between 2pm and 8pm.
Any breaches of these rules could lead to the cancellation of a candidate’s nomination. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud confirmed that the code of conduct has been sent to the Law Ministry for review. However, the code will be final once approved by the government.
