Stick to polls code or face action

The BNP has strengthened internal monitoring of its nominees, stepping up oversight to ensure strict compliance with the electoral code of conduct, so that the party’s image is not harmed during the election campaign.

Party insiders said the BNP leadership has instructed candidates and their supporters to follow the election rules strictly, warning that any deviation could damage the party’s image and weaken its position at a critical stage of the campaign.

According to party sources, the BNP has already identified around a dozen constituencies where candidates or their supporters allegedly made derogatory or controversial remarks during public meetings or online engagements. In response, the central leadership has sought detailed reports from local units and issued verbal warnings to those concerned.

Senior leaders said the party is keen to avoid statements that could be construed as inflammatory, misleading or in violation of the electoral code.

“Some candidates have made aggressive speeches and even issued threats, which are not acceptable. The party does not want to create any unwanted situation that could benefit its rivals, especially as such speeches spread quickly on social media and tarnish the party’s image,” said a BNP Standing Committee member, seeking anonymity.

Emran Saleh Prince, BNP joint secretary general, told The Daily Star that the party has repeatedly provided training to its candidates to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

“We have given candidates training multiple times and issued strict instructions to follow the code of conduct. We also receive guidance on these matters through our internal groups, and we regularly remind candidates to strictly adhere to the rules.”

He alleged that leaders and supporters of other parties often make provocative remarks, but no action is taken against them.

“BNP is a major political party, so our candidates remain under constant scrutiny. Candidates from smaller parties are not watched as closely. As a result, even minor mistakes by our candidates are being highlighted and treated as major violations.”

Local party units have been asked to immediately report any incidents involving offensive language, provocative slogans or actions that could be used by rivals to file complaints or trigger legal complications.

Sources said the BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee reviews such reports daily and, when necessary, contacts candidates directly to caution them against repeat violations.

In several cases, party leaders said candidates were advised to publicly clarify or tone down remarks after concerns were raised by the central leadership.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued show-cause notices to at least five BNP nominees over violating the electoral code of conduct.

In Rajshahi-1, BNP candidate Sharif Uddin was served a notice for allegedly distributing warm clothes and party flags among drivers. Joypurhat-2 BNP contender Abdul Bari and Sherpur-3 candidate Mahmudul Haq also received a notice for breaching the election rules.

In Chattogram-15, the EC took action against BNP nominee Nazmul Mustafa for seeking votes during a prayer event. Naogaon-6 BNP candidate Sheikh Md Rezaul Islam was served a notice for allegedly putting up posters and stickers before the official start of campaigning.

The BNP has also intensified surveillance of social media platforms, which party leaders see as a growing risk area for reputational damage.

Party sources said monitoring teams are tracking Facebook, YouTube, X and other platforms to identify speeches, video clips or live broadcasts by party leaders and activists that could harm the BNP’s image or provide ammunition to rival parties.

In some instances, party officials said statements made by local leaders on digital platforms were found to be poorly worded or politically counterproductive, opening the door for criticism from opponents.

“We have seen how a single clip can be taken out of context and spread widely. That is why we are paying close attention to what is being said online,” said a party insider.

According to party insiders, some leaders have already been asked to remove or edit posts, while others have been advised to avoid live broadcasts without proper preparation.

BNP has circulated internal guidelines reminding candidates and activists of acceptable language, campaign etiquette, and legal boundaries to address the issues.

Party leaders said the guidelines emphasise issue-based campaigning, focusing on economic challenges, governance, public services and voter concerns rather than personal attacks or emotional rhetoric.