EC assures journalists of exemption from ban on mobile phone use at polling centres

Journalist leaders say an official order in this regard could be released at any moment

The Election Commission (EC) has promised to exempt journalists from the ban on mobile phone use at polling centres during the parliamentary polls scheduled for Feb 12.

The Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) after meeting the EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the assurance was given to them at a meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon on Monday.

RFED President Kazi Jebel said they strongly condemned the ban on mobile phone use at polling centres, warning that the decision could raise questions about election transparency and hinder journalists from carrying out their duties.

“A mobile phone is an indispensable tool for journalists,” he said.

“The Election Commission has assured us of steps to exempt journalists from the mobile phone use restrictions,” he said, adding that the commission will soon release an order in this regard.

On Sunday, an EC circular stated that mobile phones would not be allowed within 400 yards of polling centres.

Only the presiding officer on duty, the police officer in charge at polling centres, and some Ansar members are among those who have the permission to bring cell phones to polling centres.

The RFED in a statement argued that allowing journalists to carry cell phones during the general election is in no way can be described as “allowing interference with the election”.

“Rather, it is one of the key prerequisites for ensuring a free, fair, impartial, and credible election. Journalism nowadays is practically impossible without a cell phone,” the statement said.