Voters Barred from Carrying Mobile Phones at Polling Centres During National Election and Referendum

The Election Commission (EC) has announced a prohibition on voters carrying mobile phones into polling centres during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled to be held on February 12. The directive has been issued to ensure discipline and prevent disruptions at voting centres across the country.

According to an official order released on Sunday, February 8, by Senior Assistant Secretary of the EC, Md. Shahidul Islam, the restriction will apply within a 400-yard radius of all polling centres. Returning officers have been instructed to enforce the directive strictly on election day.

Under the guidelines, ordinary voters will not be allowed to bring mobile phones into or near polling centres. However, exceptions have been made for officials directly involved in election duties. Presiding officers, police officers in charge of polling centres, assigned Ansar personnel, and two designated Ansar members using the “Election Security 2026” mobile application will be permitted to carry mobile phones.

To prevent disorder and respond swiftly to any untoward incidents, the EC has introduced the “Election Security App” this year. The app will allow election officials to instantly report incidents of violence, irregularities, or disturbances to returning officers and the Election Commission, enabling quicker administrative and security responses.

In addition to the mobile phone restrictions, the Commission has expanded the use of technology to strengthen election monitoring. Out of approximately 43,000 polling centres nationwide, body-worn cameras have been provided to police personnel at 25,700 centres. The cameras will allow authorities to observe real-time conditions inside polling stations and enhance transparency and security.

The Election Commission stated that these measures aim to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and credible voting process while reinforcing public confidence in the electoral system.