Journalists to be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling centres
Kazi Emad Uddin Jebel, president of the Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), said EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed gave the assurance during discussions at the Election Bhaban.
Journalists will be exempted from the restriction on carrying mobile phones at and around polling centres during the 12 February general election, a reporters’ forum leader said after consultations with the Election Commission (EC) secretary.
Kazi Emad Uddin Jebel, president of the Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), said EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed gave the assurance during a meeting at the Election Bhaban on Monday.
He said RFED informed the EC that banning journalists from using mobile phones at polling centres would undermine election transparency and media freedom, as mobile phones are essential for journalists to perform their professional duties.
Kazi Jebel added that the Election Commission has assured them the restriction would be relaxed for journalists and that an official notification on the matter will be issued soon.
On Sunday, the EC issued a notice stating that no one, including voters, would be allowed to carry mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling centres.
The decision has sparked strong criticism from several political parties contesting the election, including the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, as well as from various journalist organisations.
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