EC urged to revise journalists' code of conduct for election coverage
During the discussion, the delegation proposed amending certain provisions that they claim restrict journalists’ ability to perform their professional duties during election coverage
Representatives from journalists' organisations have called for revisions to the Election Commission's code of conduct for journalists covering the upcoming national polls, citing several inconsistencies in the existing guidelines.
Bangladesh Journalist Council (BJC) and Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) jointly submitted a written set of recommendations to the Election Commission (EC) today (9 November).
The recommendations were presented during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, attended by BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque Raja, RFED President Kazi Jabel, and other representatives from both organisations.
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During the discussion, the delegation proposed amending certain provisions that they claim restrict journalists' ability to perform their professional duties during election coverage.
Following the meeting, RFED President Kazi Jabel said, "The code should clearly specify that anyone involved in attacks on journalists must be held accountable. Just as Clause 91 of the candidates' code allows for cancellation of candidacy, there should also be a punitive measure for attacks on journalists."
He added, "We have also proposed that the code apply not only to national elections but also to local government polls. We hope the Election Commission will swiftly adopt these amendments and make the updated guidelines accessible to the entire journalist community."
We have also proposed that the code apply not only to national elections but also to local government polls. We hope the Election Commission will swiftly adopt these amendments and make the updated guidelines accessible to the entire journalist community.
BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque Raja said, "There are several clauses in the EC's code of conduct for election coverage that journalists have objections to. Together with RFED, we prepared a set of recommendations based on consultations with election experts, stakeholders, and media professionals, and submitted it to the Commission."
He said senior EC officials, including the EC's senior secretary, were present at the meeting and assured the delegation that their suggestions would be carefully considered.
Rezwanul Haque Raja also raised concerns about certain restrictions in the guidelines. "The requirement for journalists to notify the presiding officer upon entering a polling center is unnecessary. If they already have official accreditation cards, there should be no need for additional permission," he said.
Both organisations also objected to the 10-minute time limit for journalists' presence inside polling centers. "The commission clarified that this is not a strict time restriction but a general guideline considering space limitations at polling centers. It's not intended to restrict journalists' freedom," Raja further explained.
He also said, "We are reassured that the Commission genuinely wants to cooperate with journalists. The EC even acknowledged that journalists' cameras can help ensure transparency in the voting process — even in polling centers without CCTV coverage."
The meeting also discussed live broadcasting during elections. Raja said, "Journalists must act responsibly to avoid disrupting the polling process during live coverage. However, if irregularities or attempts to occupy polling centers occur, journalists have a duty to report them — and rigid restrictions cannot be enforced in such cases."
