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Environmental experts have lauded the Election Commission’s recent decision to prohibit the use of posters in election campaigns, calling it a timely move that could curb environmental pollution and minimise visual and social disturbances across the country.
They said paper posters contribute to deforestation, while the plastic-coated posters commonly seen during the rainy season are an environmental disaster as they clog drains and waterways and pollute the environment.
The Election Commission on June 19 approved in principle the draft of the Parliamentary Election Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, incorporating a provision that bans the use of posters in electoral campaigns in line with a recommendation made by the Electoral System Reform Commission.
However, the provision for the use of billboards during campaigns has been included for the first time in the code of conduct.
Dr Abdul Alim, a member of the Electoral Reform Commission, said the recommendation to prohibit posters was based on four key concerns: environmental degradation, indecent campaigning practices, unregulated expenses, and violence triggered by disputes centring on posters.
“The use of posters is an indecent practice which is not seen in most countries across the world, even a small country like Bhutan,” he told UNB, adding that there are enough alternatives now, such as social media and billboards.
He said traditional posters contribute to deforestation, and laminated and polythene-coated posters pollute the environment.
“The posters can’t be brought under the count or monitoring of the Election Commission. And many incidents of violence were triggered by disputes related to posters during the election campaign,” Dr Alim said.
According to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), around 27,000 tons of plastic-coated posters and cards were used across the country in the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7, 2024. The estimate was made following a survey of printing presses in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi cities.
ESDO Secretary General Dr Shahriar Hossain told UNB news agency that the use of posters during election campaigns is not seen in any civilised country in the world. “The use of so many posters creates a nuisance. It is just a waste of money and damage to the environment.”
Environmental activist Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said the past bans on laminated posters were not enforced, leading to massive plastic waste during both national and local elections.
He welcomed the EC’s recent move that banned the use of posters in election campaigns, saying it would prevent social nuisance caused by the indiscriminate display of posters.
“Plastic-coated posters worsen waterlogging in urban areas by blocking drainage systems, while burning them adds to air pollution,” said Dr Majumder, the Chairman of the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University Bangladesh.
Besides, thousands of tons of paper are needed during election campaigns, which means it contributes to deforestation, he added.
Dr Majumder said if this ban is effectively enforced, it may lead to a cleaner campaign culture in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) General Secretary Alamgir Kabir also praised the EC’s step, saying it would save trees and reduce chemical pollution linked to paper production.
However, Kabir raised concern over the newly introduced allowance for billboards—particularly those made of panaflex—warning that they too could harm the environment if not regulated.