Voters Barred From Bringing Mobile Phones to Polling Centers While Journalists Allowed, Raising Concerns Despite EC’s New Directive

Special Correspondent

The Election Commission has issued new instructions that voters will not be able to take mobile phones to polling stations, although journalists can.

Earlier, there was a strong reaction after the Election Commission imposed a ban on carrying mobile phones within 400 yards of polling stations on Sunday night during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

Although it was then opened to journalists, the Election Commission still imposed restrictions on voters.

Analysts say the ban could discourage voters from going to the polls, and it could make it impossible for Election Commission-approved observers and journalists to carry out their professional duties.

Again, if the agents of the candidates inside the polling station see any irregularities or fraud in their respective centers, they will not be able to report it to their candidate or his representative.

As a result, many people are concerned about the impact of the EC’s ban on the election if it remains in place, with reactions coming from political parties.

Meanwhile, in the face of intense criticism, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud has hinted at changes to the restrictions to BBC Bangla. He said that journalists will be able to carry out their duties in all areas except secret rooms.

What are the EC restrictions?

The Election Commission’s directive titled ‘Restrictions on entering polling stations with mobile phones on the occasion of the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum’ states:

“The Honorable Election Commission has decided that no one other than the following persons will be allowed to enter within a 400 (four hundred) yard radius of the polling station with a mobile phone on the occasion of the Thirteenth National Parliament Election and Referendum to be held on February 12, 2026:

1. Presiding Officer in charge of the polling station

2. The police in-charge of the polling station and

3. Two Ansar members using the Integrated Ansar/General Ansar/VDP Election Protection 2026 application in charge of the polling station.

What will be the impact of the new decision?

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman demanded the EC’s restrictions be lifted, saying that if it remains in place, it will create obstacles to a fair election and voters will not be interested in voting.

“Many people will not want to go to the center considering security concerns, which will hinder free and fair elections,” he told BBC Bangla.

Election expert Jasmine Tully says that mobile phones are an important tool for journalists and observers, and therefore decisions on this matter should be well-considered.

“How will journalists work if they can’t get mobile phones within 400 yards? There was a ban on secret booths before. In 2008, there was a ban on voters entering the center with mobile phones. But journalist observers must be given the opportunity to work,” he said.

In Bangladesh, news of irregularities and rigging in the last few elections came to the public through photos or videos taken on mobile phones. In addition, mobile journalism has become much more widespread across the country. Mobile phones are even important tools for those who monitor elections.

There is also the question of how much incentive voters will have to leave their mobile phones at home and go to the polling station.

Election expert Abdul Alim says, “I have never seen the restrictions imposed this time. People will stand in line to vote, leaving their phones outside 400 yards. As a result, many people may not go to the polling station due to these restrictions. As a result, turnover will be low.”

Moreover, polling agents of various candidates at the center used to keep their mobile phones with the polling officer and perform their duties. In case of emergency, they would use the phone with the permission of the polling officer.

“Many agents may not want to stay, thinking that they will have to be isolated for a long time. How will the candidates’ agents communicate with the candidates if necessary? Besides, the work of journalists and observers will be greatly hampered. These issues should have been considered before making the decision,” said Abdul Alim.

Reaction of the parties

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, member secretary of the BNP’s election management committee, said the commission’s decision was not reasonable at all and the commission must ensure an environment for voters, journalists and observers to perform their professional duties.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar said in a statement that the decision to ban mobile phones at polling stations could create fear and anxiety among voters and create obstacles for a free and fair election.

Meanwhile, at a public meeting in Dhaka, NCP convener Nahid Islam said that if the Election Commission does not change these restrictions by Monday, they will surround the commission tomorrow.