Election Commission bars new projects, grants, or plaque unveilings until voting ends

Violators will face penalties under the code of conduct, the commission says

In a bid to ensure a free and fair election, the Election Commission (EC) has instructed that no new projects, foundation-laying ceremonies, plaque unveilings, or grant and relief distribution take place in polling areas until the general election concludes.

Separate letters were sent on Tuesday to the secretaries of the disaster management ministry, the Local Government Division, women and children affairs ministry, and the chief of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

The parliamentary elections and referendum will be held on Feb 12. The voting is set only two years after the last national elections, following the shift in power in the July Uprising.

The letter to the Local Government Division secretary outlined the code of conduct, stating that from the announcement of the election schedule until the official gazette publication of results, no high-profile government beneficiary may approve, allocate, or release funds from any government, semi-government, or autonomous body in favour of any individual, group, or institution.

The directives include:

• No candidate may use city corporation, municipal, or local government offices, vehicles, phones, walkie-talkies, or other facilities for election purposes.

• No local government officer or employee may be deployed for election work.

• No candidate may approve projects, lay foundations, or unveil plaques in government, semi-government, or autonomous bodies prior to the election.

• Grants or relief distribution are prohibited unless pre-approved; any release of funds requires EC consent.

• Violators will face penalties under the code of conduct.

The disaster management ministry is barred from new aid distribution, but ongoing programmes may continue under district authorities if urgent.

Women and children programmes, including the Maternity and Child Support Programme (MCSPB) and Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB), cannot start new activities, though existing operations may continue.

The Red Crescent Society has also been directed to suspend aid and grant distribution in polling regions.