EC Introduces Mandatory Online Registration for Journalists Ahead of 13th National Election

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced major changes to the process of issuing cards to journalists and observers. For the first time, online application has been made mandatory for obtaining journalist observer cards and vehicle stickers. Applications must be submitted through the Election Commission’s designated website: pr.ecs.gov.bd.

How to Register

After entering the website, applicants must complete a step-by-step registration process by providing their National Identity Card (NID) number, email address, mobile number, and a password. Once all steps are completed, a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the provided mobile number. Registration will be finalized after OTP verification.

Logging In and Applying

After registration, applicants must log in using their mobile number and password to apply for a journalist observer card for the election.

For local journalists (district and upazila levels), information regarding the applicant’s current location must be provided before entering personal details. In such cases, it is mandatory to specify the division, district, constituency, and upazila/thana in the designated sections of the application form.

Application Process Steps

After logging in, the first step requires applicants to submit personal information, including name, National Identity Card number, date of birth, and gender.

In the next step, information about the media organization must be provided mandatorily. This includes the name of the media outlet, organizational address, email, phone number, and registration number. Where applicable, proof of registration and a copy of the latest publication must be uploaded.

In addition, a file containing a list of journalists approved by the concerned media organization must be uploaded. Applicants must also mention the serial number at which their name appears on that list in the specified field.

Vehicle Sticker

If a vehicle sticker is required, applicants must select either the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ option. Selecting ‘Yes’ will require submission of relevant vehicle documentation.

Final Attachments

In the final step of the application, applicants must upload their office ID, issue date, expiry date, photograph, signature, and National Identity Card in the designated fields as file attachments.

Once all steps are completed correctly, clicking the green submission button will confirm that the application has been successfully submitted.

Following verification and scrutiny, the Election Commission will issue a QR code-enabled card in PDF format. By printing this card, journalists will receive the necessary legal authorization to collect news during the election.

DBTech/SM/DBD/OR