Journalists and international observers will be permitted to carry mobile phones inside polling stations on the day of the national parliamentary elections, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah confirmed on Monday during an inspection of specially prepared media booths at the Election Commission premises in Agargaon.
Earlier, on Sunday, the Election Commission issued a directive signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam to all returning officers, clarifying the regulations for mobile phone usage during the elections. According to the directive, general members of the public are prohibited from bringing mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling stations on the day of the parliamentary elections and the concurrent referendum.
However, the restrictions do not apply to polling station presiding officers, police in charge, or two Ansar members using the ‘Election Security 2026’ application. These exemptions aim to ensure that officials can maintain communication and uphold election security.
The directive also instructed returning officers to take all necessary measures to preserve law and order at polling stations and to ensure a fair and orderly voting environment. The step is part of the Election Commission’s broader effort to safeguard both the security and impartiality of the electoral process.
For clarity, the main provisions of the directive are summarised in the table below:
| Topic | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone permission | Journalists and international observers | No restriction on entering polling stations |
| Mobile phone prohibition | General voters and unrelated individuals | Within a 400-yard radius of polling stations |
| Special exemption | Presiding officer, police in charge, two Ansar members | Applies to users of the ‘Election Security 2026’ app |
| Responsibility | Returning officers | Must take necessary measures to maintain law and order |
Brigadier General (Retd.) Sanaullah emphasised to the press, “Ensuring transparency in the election process is our primary goal. Allowing journalists and observers to use mobile phones will make the process more open, accountable, and credible.”
This directive seeks to balance security with transparency, allowing media personnel and international observers to carry out their duties effectively while maintaining a safe and regulated electoral environment. Analysts say that such measures not only reinforce public confidence in the voting process but also enhance the accountability of election officials.
With these regulations in place, the national parliamentary elections and the concurrent referendum are expected to proceed under strict security protocols, while still providing journalists and observers the tools they need to monitor the elections thoroughly and report accurately.