EC Retreats from Online Journalist Card System after Data Exposure

The Election Commission (EC) has withdrawn from its decision to make online applications mandatory for issuing “journalist and observer cards” for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, following strong backlash from journalists. However, before the commission stepped back, personal data of nearly 14,000 journalists who had applied through the EC’s online system were exposed in the commission’s database.

Within 36 hours of withdrawing the mandatory online application requirement, copies of applications submitted by journalists—including their National Identity (NID) numbers and mobile phone numbers—became publicly accessible on the EC’s website at around 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 31. The journalists had submitted their applications through the EC-designated website, pr.ecs.gov.bd.

According to information available on the website, anyone logging in after 4:00 pm could immediately see a list of applications submitted by approximately 14,000 journalists displayed on the homepage. Along with the list, options appeared allowing users to view applicants’ names, NID numbers, mobile numbers, and the full application forms. After some time, however, the website became inaccessible.

Regarding the matter, Md Ruhul Amin Mallik, Director of the Election Commission’s Public Relations Wing, said that the online registration system had been shut down on Friday, January 30. He added that on Saturday afternoon, January 31, the website was reopened by the person who was assigned administrative responsibility at that time. “The website is currently closed,” he said, adding that it was found inaccessible at around 5:30 pm.

It is worth noting that the Election Commission had launched the online system through a notification on Thursday, January 29, without prior consultation with journalists covering the EC beat. Following the move, journalists held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and issued an ultimatum. In response, the EC decided to abandon the online system and revert to the previous method of issuing journalist cards and vehicle stickers.

DBTech/DPN/HE/OR