EC bans phones within 400 yards of polling centres

Only presiding officers, in-charge police, and designated security personnel using the Election Security 2026 app may carry phones

The Election Commission has banned mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres during the national election and referendum on Feb 12.

Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam issued instructions to returning officers on Sunday to enforce the restriction.

Only presiding officers, police officers in charge of polling centres, designated Ansar members and two Ansar or VDP personnel using the Election Security 2026 app will be allowed to carry phones.

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Saturday that 25,700 of the country’s 43,000 polling centres have been equipped with body worn cameras for police.

A live demonstration of the devices was shown during a preparatory meeting.

The Election Commission also highlighted the full rollout of the Election Security app, which will be used exclusively by election officials and security personnel.

In case of violence or unrest near polling centres, the app will instantly alert security forces, returning officers and the commission, enabling rapid response.