Dhaka, Dec 17 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has sought assurances to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates in election-related dialogues and campaigns broadcast on television channels ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum.

In this regard, the EC sent a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday.

The letter emphasized that creating a fair, free, and acceptable electoral environment is essential for a credible election. It stated that ensuring equal access for all candidates to both government and private television channels can play a significant role in establishing such an environment.

The EC noted that while organizing election-related programs, interviews, talk shows, or dialogues, television channels must ensure equal representation of political parties and candidates contesting the election and referendum.

Referring to the code of conduct for political parties and candidates, the letter said that candidates or party representatives may participate in election dialogues aired by the media, but they are prohibited from making personal attacks or statements that defame others.

The EC instructed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures and precautions to ensure that all candidates receive equal opportunities in election-related broadcasts and that no program airs statements or content that insult or undermine any political party or candidate.

END/SMA/AJ