The Election Commission (EC) has published a draft code of conduct for political parties and candidates ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections. The draft was released on the EC’s official website on Sunday (June 29), inviting public feedback until July 10.
Anyone can submit their comments or suggestions on the draft by emailing the EC’s senior secretary at opinion@ecs.gov.bd , the commission stated.
Earlier, on June 19, the Election Commission approved a ban on the use of posters in election campaigns during its seventh commission meeting. The draft also lays out regulations for using leaflets, banners, festoons, handbills, and billboards in campaign activities.
Notably, the draft permits the use of social media for campaigning but imposes restrictions on spreading hate speech, misinformation, fabricated content, or inciteful language.
Candidates, their election agents, or any other individuals can use social media for campaigning, but they must submit identifying information — including the name of the social media platform, account ID, and email address — to the returning officer before starting their online campaign.
The draft code explicitly forbids hate speech, personal attacks, or inciteful language targeting opponents, minorities, or any community. It also prohibits exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments for electoral gain.
Regarding misinformation, the code specifies that any election-related content shared or published on social media must be fact-checked beforehand. Sharing manipulated videos, fake news, or other biased content intended to mislead voters will not be allowed.
Violations of the social media campaign guidelines could result in punishment under the Digital/Cyber Security Act, according to the draft.
Speaking after the release of the draft, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said that once well-considered opinions are reviewed, the code of conduct will be finalised and published as a gazette.