Feb polls: Election Commission to issue press cards manually
Asked about the process of issuing the cards manually, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said detailed guidelines would be announced soon.
The Election Commission has taken a policy decision to issue press cards manually to journalists performing professional duties in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, aiming to resolve complications surrounding journalist accreditation applications and vehicle stickers.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed disclosed the information this afternoon (29 January).
Asked about the process of issuing the cards manually, the secretary said detailed guidelines would be announced soon.
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"Those who have applied online have already done so. However, journalists who did not apply online will not need to submit fresh applications. It will take a little time to finalise the procedure," he added.
He further said the commission supports the demands raised by journalists during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin earlier in the day. "We are in agreement with the demands you raised regarding registration. You will receive the same facilities you enjoyed in the past."
Earlier, the commission had invited journalists assigned to election duties to apply online for press cards and vehicle stickers. However, describing the system as "not user-friendly", the CEC today assured journalists of a quick solution.
Meanwhile, at today's meeting, journalist leaders issued an ultimatum to the EC to resolve the accreditation and vehicle sticker issues by Sunday (1 February).
Following this, the commission moved away from its decision to issue cards solely through an online process.
During the meeting, journalists said previously applications could be submitted directly to the EC Secretariat or the offices of returning officers, allowing for immediate verification, correction of errors and prompt resolution of problems.
They also suggested that instead of enforcing a new online system during a time-sensitive and crucial process like a national election, the commission could consider piloting the system in future local government elections.
