Special correspondent : The Election Commission (EC) has directed government officials and employees to refrain from campaigning for either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the referendum scheduled for 12 February, warning that such activities would constitute a punishable offence. The directive was issued by the Election Commission Secretariat today (29 January).
According to the instruction, under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, persons employed in the service of the Republic may inform or raise awareness among the public about the referendum. However, they are strictly prohibited from urging voters to cast ballots in favour of either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
July Charter referendum: What will change if ‘Yes’ wins and what happens if voters say ‘No’? The EC said that engaging in such campaigning could influence the outcome of the referendum and would therefore be treated as a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 and Article 86 of the RPO, 1972.
The directive further asked all concerned to take necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure compliance.To implement the instruction, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional election officers, returning officers and other relevant officials have been asked to take appropriate steps.
Copies of the directive have also been sent for information and effective enforcement to the cabinet secretary, the principal secretary to the chief adviser, all ministries and divisions, and law enforcement agencies, including the Bangladesh Police, RAB, BGB, Ansar and VDP, along with other concerned offices.
