EC ban on mobile phones at polling centres draws sharp criticism
Among those criticising the move are Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party leaders, Chhatra Dal leader Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, Students Against Discrimination, and the Reporters’ Forum for Election and Democracy.
The Election Commission's decision to prohibit mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres for the upcoming national polls and referendum has triggered a wave of criticism from political figures, netizens, journalists, and civil society voices.
Among those criticising the move are Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders, Chhatra Dal leader Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, Students Against Discrimination (SAD), and the Reporters' Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED).
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has warned of launching a stern movement if the ban on carrying mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres is not withdrawn by this evening (9 February).
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He issued the warning to the Election Commission while taking part in an election campaign in the capital's Mohammadpur area today.
"The Election Commission is acting in such a way that cameras or mobiles cannot be taken within 400 yards of the polling centres. If this rule is not withdrawn by this evening, a stern movement will be built," he said.
Shafiqur also alleged, "When the July movement took place against injustice, the internet was shut down so that murders could be legalised and injustice could be hidden."
NCP warned of protests if the decision is not withdrawn.
In a post on the party's official Facebook page, Convener Nahid Islam said they would besiege the EC building tomorrow (10 February) if the restriction was not cancelled today.
In a post on his social media, NCP Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah described the decision as reckless, arguing that banning mobile phones would obstruct mobile journalism and citizen reporting.
"Such a decision can only be taken if there is an intention to carry out engineering or fraud. There is no logic behind [this]," he said.
He said the move could prevent voters from reporting irregularities, create insecurity and discourage participation.
"It means if there is an emergency, one cannot even call for help. Many will not even go to vote if they cannot take a mobile phone due to insecurity," Hasnat wrote.
Chhatra Dal leader Hamim wrote on Facebook that the restriction reminded him of past elections held under Sheikh Hasina.
"Is this rule being issued because allowing mobiles would make it difficult for the party whose members have already been caught making fake seals to carry out such activities? We will not accept any dilly-dallying, fraud, or stigma regarding this election," he wrote.
The RFED, in a statement today, termed the ban on journalists carrying mobile phones a clear attempt to make the election non-transparent and questionable.
The statement, signed by RFED President Kazi Jebel and General Secretary Golam Rabbani, argued that the claim that banning mobiles would bring discipline to the election process was irrational and baseless.
"Such a decision directly violates the constitutionally recognised freedom of the press and the public's right to information. Obstructing journalists from carrying mobiles means controlling the flow of election-related information and making the entire process opaque to the public," the statement reads.
SAD President Rifat Rashid called on the EC to immediately cancel what he described as a reckless decision restricting mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar also criticised the move, calling it irrational and warning that it could create fear among voters and undermine transparency.
In a statement, he said mobile phones are an inseparable part of civic life and argued that restricting them may raise questions about the neutrality and credibility of the election process.
"Particularly in the country's existing political reality, it is extremely important for voters to have the opportunity for awareness and observation to ensure transparency at polling centres. There is a concern that transparency will be hindered by banning mobile phones," he said.
He urged the EC to reconsider the decision and ensure voters' fundamental rights and security.
Many netizens on social media said that banning mobile phones suggested a plan to manipulate the election, reflecting wider public concern over the EC's decision.
