EC Assures Withdrawal of Mobile Phone Ban for Journalists at Polling Centres
The Election Commission (EC) has assured that the restriction on journalists carrying mobile phones into polling centres during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum will be withdrawn.
The assurance was given by the Election Commission on Monday afternoon, February 9.
Earlier, on February 8, the Election Commission announced the imposition of restrictions on carrying mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres in connection with the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum. On that day, a letter signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam was sent to returning officers across the country outlining the directive.
The letter stated that, in view of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12, mobile phones would be permitted only for the presiding officer of the polling centre, the officer-in-charge of police assigned to the centre, members of Ansar, general Ansar or VDP, and two Ansar members using the ‘Election Security 2026’ mobile application. Apart from these designated officials, no one else would be allowed to enter polling centres carrying mobile phones.
The announcement had raised concerns among media professionals, as journalists rely on mobile phones for communication, photography, and recording while performing their professional duties. The Election Commission’s latest assurance is expected to address these concerns and facilitate unhindered media coverage during the election and referendum.
DBTech/BTN/SM/OR
