Posters Prohibited in Campaigning as EC Cracks Down on Banner Use

The Election Commission (EC) has banned the use of posters in election campaigns and imposed stricter controls on banners under its Code of Conduct for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the Referendum scheduled for 12 February.

The official campaign period, which began on 22 January, will end at midnight on 10 February—48 hours ahead of polling day.

Throughout this period, candidates and political parties must adhere to the revised regulations, which impose a complete ban on posters and strictly regulate the size, design and materials of banners, leaflets and other campaign materials.

Under the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025, electioneering through posters has been fully prohibited. Clause 7(a) explicitly states that posters of any kind may not be used during campaigns.

Clause 7(b) further bans campaign materials made from non-biodegradable materials, including rexine, polythene and plastic. In addition, Clause 7(e) requires that all campaign materials—except electronic and digital media—be printed solely in black and white. The restriction applies to banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons.

According to the EC, banners must not exceed 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width. Leaflets and handbills are limited to A4 size, while festoons may measure no more than 18 inches by 24 inches. Only the candidate’s photograph and electoral symbol are allowed on these materials.

The commission has also clarified that banners may be displayed either horizontally or vertically, provided they remain within the prescribed dimensions. This instruction was conveyed to returning officers through a letter signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

Meanwhile, printing presses have been directed not to produce posters for election campaigns. In a notification signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mollik, the commission said posters had been found in use in several areas, calling it a clear breach of the Code of Conduct and a punishable offence.

The notification stressed that registered political parties, nominated and independent candidates, along with their campaigners, must strictly comply with the Code of Conduct.