Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to implement a standardized code of conduct across all five tiers of local government bodies in an effort to streamline election rules and enhance enforcement as a significant electoral cycle is anticipated to commence later this year. This initiative aims to revise and unify the existing separate election codes for city corporations, municipalities, zila parishads, upazila parishads, and union parishads.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the EC is considering aligning the local election codes closely with the guidelines applied in the recent 13th parliamentary election. This follows the successful implementation of the parliamentary election code during the February-12 general election. As part of the new regulations, restrictions on the use of posters are expected, aiming to modernize campaign methods and address environmental concerns.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has expressed support for a unified code of conduct for all local government entities and plans to present a proposal to the Commission. Masud mentioned that the local election code would closely resemble the parliamentary election code, including a ban on posters and measures to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media.
Senior officials within the EC Secretariat have been instructed to draft amendments to the election conduct rules for various local government bodies. The successful prohibition of posters in parliamentary elections has led the EC to apply the same approach to local elections, aiming to reduce environmental impact and encourage new campaigning strategies.
Previously, the EC had issued the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules, 2025, which banned posters, helicopters, and drones, and prohibited the harmful use of AI and social media. Similar provisions are expected to be incorporated into the local election codes.
The EC is also contemplating measures to prevent undue influence by members of parliament in local government elections, which are to be conducted without political party symbols. Abdur Rahmanel Masud noted that laws have been passed to facilitate non-party symbol elections, though the Commission has yet to decide on the election timeline.
To prevent MPs from exerting influence in local polls, the EC is considering new provisions, including changes to nomination forms that require the disclosure of overseas assets. Preparations are underway, anticipating that local government elections may commence by the end of the year.
During the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on May 5, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and other commissioners instructed field administrators to maintain standards akin to parliamentary elections. The EC estimates that overdue elections for 12 city corporations, over 450 upazila parishads, more than 300 municipalities, and 61 zila parishads can be conducted without legal hurdles, with union parishad elections mandatory by October.
The EC is poised to announce election schedules upon receiving the go-ahead from the local government division, although government indications suggest local government elections may start at the year’s end.