Khulna: The office of the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer (RO) of Khulna today issued a public notice aimed at ensuring a free, fair, and orderly election. According to the notice, signed by District Commissioner and RO ASM Jamshed Khondker, strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct is mandatory for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026, with uninterrupted balloting from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the notice highlights several key rules under the code of conduct for political parties and candidates in the parliamentary elections of 2025. Rule 15(b) specifies that no registered political party, its nominated candidate, independent candidate, or any person acting on their behalf may conduct election campaigning at mosques, temples, pagodas, churches, or any other religious places, as well as at government offices and educational institutions.
The notice further outlines Rule 7(j), which prohibits the use of plastic (PVC) banners and polythene-covered banners, leaflets, handbills, and festoons. Rule 15(a) bars candidates from spreading personal slander, making indecent, aggressive, or character-assassinating remarks, or delivering provocative or defamatory statements that may hurt gender sensitivity, communal harmony, or religious sentiments.
Additionally, Rule 18 states that election campaigning cannot begin more than three weeks before the polling day and must end 48 hours prior to the start of voting. Violations of these provisions, as detailed in Rule 27(a), may result in penalties including up to six months' imprisonment, a fine not exceeding Tk 1,50,000, or both.
The notice emphasizes that all concerned parties have been instructed to ensure that no election-related activities take place at religious institutions, government offices, or educational institutions.