BOJA Voices Voting-Time Worries Over Mobile Curbs
The Bangladesh Online Journalists Association (BOJA) has expressed concern over the decision to impose strict restrictions on journalists carrying mobile phones at polling centers ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.
The organization said the decision would create unnecessary obstacles to independent information gathering.
In a joint statement, BOJA President Zahid Iqbal and General Secretary M Ibrahim Sarkar noted that contemporary field journalism is largely mobile-dependent. They said mobile phones are the most effective tools for capturing real-time photos, videos, and information and transmitting them quickly.
According to the statement, although the restrictions are being justified in the name of maintaining discipline at polling centers, banning journalists from using mobile phones would, in practice, slow the flow of information. As a result, verifying and promptly reporting any irregularities or problems would become difficult.
The statement further said that journalists are not participants in the electoral process; rather, they serve as observers and information gatherers. Therefore, limiting their professional tools could raise further questions instead of enhancing transparency.
BOJA believes that ensuring responsible mobile phone use while allowing journalists to perform their duties would make the election process more open, credible, and accountable.
The organization has urged the relevant authorities to reconsider the decision and later EC revised their decision positively.
DBTech/SM/OR
