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KHULNA, Dec 15, 2025 (BSS) – The office of the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer (RO) of Khulna today issued a public notice aimed at ensuring a free, fair and orderly election.

According to the notice, signed by District Commissioner and RO ASM Jamshed Khondker, strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct is mandatory for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026, with uninterrupted balloting from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Under the code of conduct for political parties and candidates in parliamentary elections-2025, Rule 15(b) stipulates that no registered political party, its nominated candidate, independent candidate or any person acting on their behalf may conduct election campaigning at mosques, temples, pagodas, churches or any other religious places, as well as at government offices and educational institutions, the notice said.

Rule 7(j) prohibits the use of plastic (PVC) banners and polythene-covered banners, leaflets, handbills and festoons.

Rule 15 (a) bars candidates from spreading personal slander, making indecent, aggressive or character-assassinating remarks, or delivering provocative or defamatory statements that may hurt gender sensitivity, communal harmony or religious sentiments.

According to Rule 18, election campaigning cannot begin more than three weeks before the polling day and must end 48 hours prior to the start of voting.

Under Rule 27 (a), any candidate or person acting on their behalf who violates the provisions of the code before the election may face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding Tk 1,50,000, or both.

All concerned have been instructed to ensure that no election-related activities take place at religious institutions, government offices or educational institutions, the notice added.