EC bars govt officials from ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ campaigning

Staff Reporter :

The Election Commission on Thursday directed all government officials and employees to refrain from campaigning in favour of either “Yes” or “No” in the referendum scheduled for February 12, warning that any such activity would be treated as a punishable offence.

The instruction was issued by the Election Commission Secretariat, citing Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972.

According to the directive, persons employed in the service of the Republic may inform the public about the referendum and raise awareness about the process. However, they are strictly prohibited from urging voters to cast their ballots for either side.

The commission said that campaigning by public officials could influence the outcome of the referendum and would therefore constitute a violation of the law, making those involved liable to punishment under the relevant provisions of the Referendum Ordinance and the RPO.

The directive asked all concerned authorities to take necessary measures to ensure compliance. To enforce the instruction, the EC has directed divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, returning officers and other relevant officials to take appropriate steps.

Copies of the order have also been sent for information and effective implementation to the cabinet secretary, the principal secretary to the chief adviser, all ministries and divisions, and law enforcement agencies, including the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, along with other concerned offices.

The referendum is expected to be a key political event ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, with the commission emphasising that strict neutrality of public servants is essential to ensure the credibility and fairness of the process.