Election Commission has finalised a new code of conduct for the 2026 parliamentary elections, imposing stringent rules to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media, alongside a ban on harmful materials and certain campaigning tools.
The new regulations, announced on Wednesday, prohibit the use of AI for malicious purposes, including campaign manipulation, and require political parties to submit candidates’ social media details to the Returning Officer before the campaign begins. The Commission has also introduced harsher penalties for violations, proposing a maximum punishment of six months’ imprisonment and a Tk 150,000 fine, up from six months’ imprisonment and a Tk 50,000 fine.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah emphasized that AI misuse would not be tolerated, while highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO) to further strengthen the law ahead of the 2026 elections.
The code also bans posters, banners, and pamphlets made from non-biodegradable materials, including rexine and plastic. Campaigners are restricted to using only biodegradable materials, and the use of drones and quadcopters in election campaigns has been banned.
Additionally, only 20 billboards of a maximum size of 16 feet by 9 feet are allowed per constituency, with VVIPs, including the Prime Minister and ministers, facing restrictions on participation in election-related activities.
The code further regulates the use of loudspeakers during campaigns, limiting sound levels to 60 decibels and restricting their use to the hours between 2pm and 8pm.
Any breach of these rules may result in the cancellation of a candidate’s candidature, with more stringent penalties for violators.
The Election Commission has sent the code to the Law Ministry for vetting but confirmed that no government approval is necessary for its final implementation.
This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure a fair and environmentally conscious election campaign process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
