As the campaign for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election intensifies in Jashore, candidates are frequently seen flouting the Election Commission’s (EC) code of conduct.
Despite the electoral rules, various constituencies are seeing a surge in violations, particularly regarding the display of posters and the use of motorised vehicles for campaigning, sparking mixed reactions among voters.
According to the electoral code, candidates must use only black-and-white posters, which are to be hung exclusively using ropes. However, colourful posters are being widely displayed on moving easy-bikes and rickshaws across the district.
Furthermore, prohibitions against placing posters on private houses, government offices, courts, educational institutions, religious sites, trees, and utility poles are being largely ignored.
Jashore-3 violations
In the Jashore-3 (Sadar) constituency, where six candidates are competing, the campaign is being dominated by the BNP-nominated candidate Anindya Islam Amit (Sheaf of Paddy) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Kader (Scales).
While these two candidates lead the campaign efforts, they also face the highest number of allegations regarding code violations.
In the municipality area, colourful posters for both candidates remain pasted on the walls of houses and on the back of easy-bikes and rickshaws.
Despite directives from the district returning officer to remove old banners and posters after the schedule announcement, they remain visible at key locations including Railgate, New Market, Monihar, Doratana, Mujib Road, and the railway station,.
The EC rules specify that a candidate may use a maximum of 20 billboards per constituency, with a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet; however, the number of billboards in the city area is reportedly double this limit.
Legal restrictions and penalties Under Section 12 of the electoral code, campaigning, meetings, or the pasting of posters within the boundaries of educational or religious institutions is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, Section 11 forbids personal attacks, provocative speeches, or comments regarding a candidate’s family, religion, or gender.
To date, mobile courts have imposed a total of Tk2,95,000 in fines across Jashore-3, 5, and 6 for various violations.
Jashore-5 (Manirampur)
On the evening of 22 January, independent candidate Shahid Iqbal Hossain and Jamaat-supported candidate Gazi Enamul Haque were fined a combined Tk2.5 lakh for creating severe traffic congestion through large gatherings and processions. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mahir Dayan Amin and Executive Magistrate Ashish Kumar Das.
Jashore-6 (Keshabpur)
Last Friday night, Abdur Razzak, the chief election representative for BNP candidate Abul Hossain and General Secretary of the Upazila BNP, was fined Tk25,000 for putting up posters on trees and electric poles. The court was conducted by Executive Magistrate Sohaib Hasan Akhand.
Jashore-3 (Sadar)
On Thursday afternoon, Executive Magistrate Shamim Hossain fined Anindya Islam Amit (BNP) Tk20,000 and Abdul Kader (Jamaat) Tk10,000,. The fines were issued for pasting posters on the walls of the Government MM College hostel and for campaigning via easy-bikes.
Strict surveillance ahead
District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Asheq Hasan told TIMES of Bangladesh that the law provides for up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk1.5 lakh for violating the code of conduct.
He reminded candidates that plastic-laminated posters are banned and that the use of loudspeakers is restricted to between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Hasan further asserted that there would be no compromise in implementing the electoral code and that strict surveillance will continue across the district to ensure a peaceful election and voter security.
