EC Bans Mobile Phones at Polling Stations for Feb 12 National Election

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a ban on carrying mobile phones into polling centres during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled to be held on February 12.

EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam issued directives to the returning officers on Sunday, February 8, instructing them to strictly enforce the restriction.

According to the directive, ordinary voters will be prohibited from carrying mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling centres during the national election and referendum on February 12. However, presiding officers, the officer-in-charge of police assigned to the polling centre, on-duty Ansar members, and two Ansar personnel using the ‘Election Security 2026’ app will be allowed to carry mobile phones.

The directive does not clearly specify provisions regarding mobile phone use by journalists, election observers, or other stakeholders engaged in election-related duties. As journalists routinely rely on mobile phones for communication, photography, and recording purposes during elections, concerns have been raised that the restriction may hinder their professional responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has introduced the ‘Election Security App’ this time to prevent disorder and ensure rapid response. In the event of any violence or unrest at polling centres, the app will enable instant communication with returning officers and the Election Commission. The initiative is expected to support swift intervention and effective situation management.

At the same time, maximum use of technology is being ensured in this election. Out of 43,000 polling centres across the country, police personnel at 25,700 centres have been equipped with body-worn cameras. These devices will allow real-time monitoring of on-ground situations at the polling centres.

DBTech/SH/EK/OR