The Election Commission (EC) has banned posters in electioneering and also imposed stricter controls on banners as part of its Code of Conduct for the 13th National Parliament Election and the Referendum scheduled for February 12.

The campaign period, which began on January 22, will end at midnight on February 10, 48 hours before voting starts. 

During this time, candidates and political parties must comply with the new restrictions that outlaw posters altogether and limit the size, format and materials of banners, leaflets and other campaign items.

Under the "Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025," the use of posters in electioneering has been completely banned. Clause 7(a) of the code specifies that no posters of any kind may be used. 

Besides, clause 7(b) prohibits campaign materials made of non-biodegradable substances such as rexine, polythene or plastic. 

Clause 7(e) further requires that all campaign materials other than electronic and digital media, such as banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons, must be printed in black and white only. 

The maximum size of banners has been fixed at 10 feet by 4 feet, leaflets or handbills must not exceed A4 size, and festoons must be within 18 inches by 24 inches. Only the candidate's own photograph and symbol may be used on these materials. 

The EC has also issued a clarification on banner use, communicated to returning officers through a letter signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. 

It stated that banners may be displayed either horizontally or vertically, provided they do not exceed the prescribed size of 10 feet by 4 feet. 

Meanwhile, printing presses have been instructed not to print posters for election campaigns. 

A notification signed by EC Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md Ruhul Amin Mollik said that poster use has been detected in some areas, which is a clear violation of the Code of Conduct and a punishable offence. 

The notification highlighted that registered political parties, nominated candidates, independent candidates and their campaigners must strictly follow the Code of Conduct.