Noakhali Protesters Press Poll Phone Policy Reversal
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, the Election Commission (EC) has imposed a ban on entering polling centers with mobile phones within a 400-yard radius. Protesting the decision, an organization named Sachetan July Oikya staged a gherao (encirclement) program at the Noakhali District Election Office.
The protest and gherao were held in front of the Noakhali District Election Office on Monday, February 9, from 3:30 pm and continued for an hour.
During the demonstration, the protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Election Commission’s restriction on mobile phone use at polling centers.
They alleged that such restrictions are essentially part of a conspiracy to facilitate electoral manipulation. Calling for a transparent election, the demonstrators urged the Election Commission to play a neutral and impartial role.
The protesters also issued a warning, stating that if the notification is not withdrawn within the day, they will announce more stringent programs the following day.
It may be noted that later today, EC revised their decision of using mobile phones positively in the polling centres.
DBTech/DMN/EK/OR
