EC Takes Multiple Steps for Widespread Referendum Campaign

The Election Commission (EC) has taken extensive measures to promote the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election by distributing banners and leaflets nationwide.

To raise public awareness about the referendum, 15,000 environmentally friendly banners have been printed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In addition, 8,042,000 leaflets have been printed for the campaign.

The printed banners and leaflets are currently being distributed across the country through the Publication and Documentation Wing of the Election Commission Secretariat.

This information was disclosed in a letter issued on Sunday (11 January), signed by Md. Ruhul Amin Mallik, Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer of the EC Secretariat.

According to the letter, the referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held on 12 February. As part of the awareness campaign, the printed banners are being distributed nationwide at regional and district levels in accordance with the allocation list provided.

The Election Commission has instructed that banners be displayed widely at divisional commissioners’ offices, regional election offices, district administration offices, senior district and district election offices, city corporation offices, ward offices, key locations in Dhaka city, municipal offices, upazila executive offices, upazila and police station election offices, busy public areas, and union parishad offices and other crowded places.

Meanwhile, 8,042,000 leaflets printed for the referendum are being distributed through the Procurement and Printing Wing of the EC Secretariat. Under this distribution plan, 15,000 leaflets are being allocated to each upazila and police station election office, 3,000 to each senior district and district election office, and 2,000 to each regional election office.

These leaflets will be distributed by district, upazila, and police station election officers at government and non-government offices in divisional cities, city corporations and district towns, important municipal locations, service recipients and visitors to offices, hospitals, educational institutions, religious institutions, union information and service centers, markets, and other crowded public places.

Additionally, the commission has instructed that publicity be carried out in all locations where large numbers of people gather, including government and private offices, hospitals, markets, educational institutions, religious centers, and public service centers.

To cover the cost of distributing and promoting the banners and leaflets, allocations will be provided to upazila and police station election officers at the rate of Tk 1,000 per union, Tk 1,000 per municipality, and Tk 1,000 per city corporation ward.

The letter also requests district election officers and upazila or police station election officers to coordinate with the Procurement and Printing Wing and the Publication and Documentation Wing of the EC Secretariat to collect the banners and leaflets and ensure their wide distribution in the designated areas.