Artificial Intelligence and Accountability: EC Announces Posterless Poll Protocols

For the first time in Bangladesh’s electoral history, the use of posters has been completely prohibited in campaign activities for the upcoming thirteenth national parliamentary election. The Election Commission (EC) has also banned the use of drones and barred any form of campaign activities conducted abroad.

The EC issued the “Code of Conduct, 2025” for political parties and candidates on Monday night, November 11. The gazette notification was published by EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed.

The new regulations state that artificial intelligence (AI) must not be used with malicious intent in any election-related activity, including campaign messaging. It strictly prohibits the creation or dissemination of hateful speech, misinformation, distorted images of individuals, fabricated election-related content, and any harmful material. Additionally, candidates and their supporters are barred from using hate speech, personal attacks, or inflammatory language targeted at opponents, women, minority communities, or any other social groups.

The guidelines further impose mandatory use of environmentally friendly materials in campaign promotion. The use of polythene and rexine in campaign materials has been banned. Sound levels during campaign activities must not exceed 60 decibels. Candidates and political parties will be required to submit a formal declaration affirming compliance with the code of conduct.

While posters are banned, banners and billboards may still be used if they are produced with eco-friendly materials. The regulations forbid processions involving vehicles, showdowns, torch processions, or similar displays. Violations of the code may lead to severe penalties: cancellation of candidacy for serious offenses, or up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 150,000 taka for other violations. Political parties may also be fined up to 150,000 taka for noncompliance.

The EC is also empowered to cancel candidacy in cases of serious misconduct. Additionally, provisions have been introduced requiring that the media facilitate dialogue among candidates and that all candidates in a constituency read their election manifestos on the same day in a session organized by the Returning Officer.

The new code seeks to ensure a fair, environmentally responsible, and hate-free electoral campaign environment ahead of the forthcoming national elections.