The Election Commission (EC) has reversed its decision to ban mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers during the upcoming 13th national election and referendum on February 12. This change follows widespread criticism from various groups, including journalists, the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, Transparency International Bangladesh, and political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and the National Citizen Party.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed addressed reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, stating that confusion had arisen due to the initial directive. Voters, candidates, and their agents will now be permitted to bring phones inside the centers, with the exception that photos cannot be taken inside the voting booths.
The EC clarified that the intention behind the ban was misunderstood and announced the revision of the circular to eliminate any doubts. The updated directive ensures that voters, candidates, agents, journalists, and observers can have phones at polling centers, removing any ambiguity.
Initially, the ban on mobile phones faced strong opposition, with critics voicing concerns on social media about transparency issues and unnecessary restrictions. However, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud defended the ban, emphasizing that allowing numerous devices inside polling centers could lead to significant challenges.
In a meeting with the EC, Jamaat leaders raised concerns about attacks on their activists, particularly women, in various areas and criticized law enforcement for their actions in Khulna, Natore, and Shariatpur. Jamaat leader Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair called for law enforcement officials to act impartially to ensure a fair election process.
NCP Spokesman Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan expressed doubts about some EC activities being biased and criticized the EC for making administrative changes based on recommendations from specific parties. He highlighted the need for neutral and systematic transfers of officials to maintain fairness during the election period.
Furthermore, the EC has imposed a 48-hour restriction on staying in polling areas ahead of the parliamentary election and referendum on February 12. Except for authorized individuals and residents of the constituencies, no one will be allowed to remain in the polling zones from 7:30 am on February 10 to 4:30 pm on February 13.