Although they can use each other's polls symbol, alliance partners cannot print the portrait of any political party chief other than their own, the Election Commission has decided.

The EC sent a letter to all registered political parties in this regard yesterday.

The decision came in response to a BNP request, seeking to use Khaleda Zia's portrait on posters of its allies, who are contesting the December 30 polls with the “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

The letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Abdul Halim Khan said it made the decision in line with the Representation of the People's Order (RPO), the law that regulates national elections.

“Candidates, if they are from registered political parties, can use pictures of only their current party chief on their posters,” said the letter.

On Thursday, the BNP sent a letter to the EC seeking its decision if its partners can use Khaleda's portraits on their posters.