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Published : 12 Dec 2025, 01:23 AM
The announcement of the election schedule also constitutes the call for parties and candidates to comply with the electoral code of conduct.
The compliance is mandatory.
Non-compliance is punishable with a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a fine of Tk 150,000 for an individual. A party faces the punishment of Tk 150,000.
The Election Commission has the power to cancel an individual’s candidacy if found guilty of the electoral code violation.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule on Thursday afternoon. The referendum on the implementation of the July Charter will be held on the same day.
“Let’s ensure a peaceful and festive election by complying with the electoral code of conduct,” the CEC said in his televised speech as he announced the schedule.
“You should have the objective to win people’s trust and confidence by ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual respect,” the CEC said in his speech.
Drawing attention to social media smear campaigns, especially using artificial intelligence, the CEC reminded everyone that undermining rivals and running hateful campaigns against women tarnish the election process.
He urged all to refrain from sharing false information, for it constitutes a punishable offence. He requests all not to entertain false information and campaigns floated with ill motives.
He promises to take action in accordance with the law to prevent such an offence from happening.
On Nov 13, the CEC had urged those who pasted posters on walls long before it was time to remove them, warning that none would be spared.
The electoral code bans using posters and flying drones in addition to campaigning abroad. Stricter rules have been imposed on social media campaigning as well.
Use of more than 20 billboards at a time has been prohibited.
Under the announced timetable, nomination papers for parliament can be filed between Dec 12 and 29, will be scrutinised from Dec 30 to Jan 4, and can be withdrawn until Jan 20. Voting is scheduled three weeks later.
Election symbols will be allocated on Jan 21, after withdrawals. This provides 18 days for filing nominations and 20 days for campaigning.
The Awami League government fell on Aug 5 following the July Uprising.
The Nasir Uddin commission has formulated the code of conduct for political parties and candidates, 2025 after some reformations.
The Representation of the People Order has been amended. Irregularities may lead to cancellation of voting in an entire constituency, and misuse of AI has been considered an electoral offence. The EC also reserves the power to take action against candidates even after election if they provide false information that otherwise could have rendered them ineligible to contest the polls.
