iPhone Prize Pledged for Polling Station Footage in Kurigram-2

Kurigram-2’s 11-party electoral alliance nominee and central Joint Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Dr. Atik Mujahid, has announced an iPhone reward for voters who capture and submit what he described as “special moments” from polling stations in his constituency, despite existing restrictions on mobile phone use inside voting centers.

In a video message, Dr. Mujahid addressed students, youth, and voters of Kurigram, urging them to record photos and videos at polling centers and share them publicly.

“Students and citizens of Kurigram, especially the youth, I am telling you—tomorrow you can use the devices in your hands to capture special moments at the polling stations. Upload the photos or videos on Facebook and tag us, or send them to our number. We will review the submissions, and the person whose video is the most informative will be awarded an iPhone,” he said.

While addressing voters in Rajarhat, Phulbari, and Kurigram Sadar upazilas, Dr. Mujahid made an indirect remark, stating, “You understand what kind of video needs to be made.”

His comments have led to speculation that he was referring to documenting potential irregularities at polling centers—such as vote rigging, ballot stuffing, center capture, or incidents of violence—and disseminating those materials on social media platforms.

Dr. Mujahid defended the initiative, describing it as a form of “social resistance.” According to him, the plan aims to encourage every mobile phone–holding conscious citizen to act as a media watchdog. He framed the initiative as a civic effort to enhance transparency during the election process.

Speaking to journalists, he further said, “There has been a strong response to the 11-party alliance’s electoral symbol ‘Shapla Koli’ in Kurigram-2. However, we fear that our opponents, seeing this popularity, may attempt to capture polling stations or engage in irregularities. From that concern, we want everyone to come forward to guard the centers through a social movement. The plan to offer a reward stems from that objective.”

DBTech/DTO/SI/OR