EC Secretary Hints at Lifting Mobile Ban for Journalists

He noted that formal instructions are expected soon, allowing journalists to carry and use mobile phones upon presenting their official accreditation cards.

The initial directive, issued on February 8, had restricted mobile phone use within a 400-yard radius of polling centers to only the Presiding Officer and specific security personnel. This sparked a wave of protests from political leaders, including Hasnat Abdullah, Nahid Islam, and DUCSU VP Sadiq Kaiyum, who collectively termed the move a "Media Blackout" and "Neo-Fascism." Journalists argued that the ban would cripple real-time reporting and "MoJo" (Mobile Journalism), which are essential for transparency during the election and referendum.

While Secretary Akter Ahmed's verbal assurance provides temporary relief to the media community, he did not specify whether the ban would also be relaxed for general voters. The Secretary emphasized that the commission's primary goal remains the prevention of "vote-trading" via ballot photography, but acknowledged that a blanket ban on the press was counterproductive to a free and fair electoral process. A formal circular detailing the updated guidelines is anticipated by tonight.