Election Commission to Lift Mobile Phone Ban for Journalists at Polling Centres

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the earlier ban on journalists carrying mobile phones into polling centres will be revoked, following widespread criticism of the policy. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the EC Secretariat provided the assurance to reporters on Monday afternoon.

Previously, on Sunday night, the EC had issued a notification prohibiting entry with mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling centres on February 12, 2026, the date of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum. The directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam of the Election Management and Coordination-1 division, specified that only certain officials could carry phones into polling stations.

According to the notification, the following individuals were allowed to enter polling centres with mobile devices: presiding officers, police officers in charge of polling stations, and two designated Ansar members using the “Election Security 2026” application. The directive had already been circulated to Divisional Commissioners, Regional Election Officers, and all District Commissioners and Returning Officers for enforcement.

The EC requested that all officials take necessary measures to implement the policy effectively. Voting is scheduled to take place from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on February 12, and the lifting of the restriction for journalists ensures media coverage can proceed without hindrance while maintaining security and transparency at polling centres.