BSS
  12 Dec 2025, 11:57

EC bars contesting in more than three seats 

DHAKA, Dec 12, 2025 (BSS)- The Election Commission (EC) has announced that no candidate will be allowed to contest in more than three constituencies in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

A circular issued by the EC Secretariat said, Article 13Ka of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972 stipulated that if any individual files nomination papers from more than three constituencies simultaneously, all of his or her nomination papers shall be deemed invalid.”

The circular further said that any individual holding an “office of profit” of the state will not be eligible to contest in the national election. 

A full-time position in the Republic or in any institution controlled by the government will be considered an office of profit, and such individuals will be disqualified from running in the election, it said.

It added that chairmen of Upazila Parishads, Zila Parishads and Union Parishads; Mayors of City Corporations and Pourasavas; responsible officials of various government, autonomous, semi-autonomous or government-funded offices, institutions, corporations or authorities; and individuals engaged on contract at Bangladesh missions abroad must resign from their posts in accordance with rules if they wish to contest in the polls.

The circular also provided detailed instructions regarding the management of election expenses. It said that under Article 44Ka of the RPO, 1972, every election agent or if there is no agent, the candidate himself or herself must open a separate bank account in a scheduled bank. Except for personal expenses, all election-related expenditures must be incurred from this account.

In accordance with the Election Conduct Rules, 2025, candidates must submit particulars of their projected sources of election expenses in Form-20 and a statement of assets, liabilities and annual income-expenditure in Form-21 along with their nomination papers.