The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday clarified that government employees are prohibited from campaigning for either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the upcoming referendum.
The directive was issued in a letter sent to all Returning Officers across the country. According to the EC, while government employees may inform the public and raise awareness about the referendum, they are strictly forbidden from urging citizens to vote in favour of or against any option.
“Any person employed in the service of the Republic may inform and raise awareness among the people about the referendum. But they are strictly prohibited from calling upon people in any manner to cast votes either in favour of ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” the letter stated.
The letter, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Munir Hossain, cited Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, noting that violations could influence the outcome of the referendum and constitute a punishable offence.
The EC instructed Returning Officers to ensure compliance with these legal provisions and take appropriate measures if violations occur.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker emphasised that officials assigned to election duties may carry out publicity to inform voters about the referendum but are not permitted to campaign for or against any side.
“Our position is to encourage people to participate in the referendum, but those entrusted with election duties must remain neutral and cannot legally advocate for ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” he said.
He added that Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and other election officials would provide information to the public regarding the referendum but would not take sides.
The EC also estimates that the simultaneous 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled to be held on 12 February will cost around Tk3,100 crore.
