‘Yes’ vote banners persist at government offices despite EC ban

Despite directives from the Election Commission (EC), banners promoting a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum continue to appear at the entrances and walls of several government offices across the country.

On Thursday (January 31), the EC instructed the Cabinet Division that while officials may raise public awareness about the referendum, they must refrain from campaigning in favor of either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes. Following the order, banners began to be removed from the Secretariat and some other offices.

However, outside Dhaka, many government offices still display posters and banners favoring a ‘Yes’ vote.

Saturday morning, a ‘Yes’ vote advertisement was also visible on video screens in Dhaka Metro stations. Some offices have put up new banners detailing proposed changes and amendments through the referendum without explicitly urging a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said the EC’s directives will be fully implemented and all officials have been informed. An additional secretary at the Cabinet Division confirmed that the EC’s letter was circulated to relevant ministries on Thursday for compliance.

Banners remain at several government and semi-government offices, including BCSIR, district commissioner offices, Bangladesh Bank, and financial institutions in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna. In Chattogram, a banner at the District Council building read: “Referendum 2026, the key to the country is in your hands; say ‘Yes’ for change.”