RFED rejects EC’s media guidelines, urges revisions through inclusive dialogue
The Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) expressed concern that the guidelines would severely limit journalists’ access to polling centres and hinder their ability to gather and report election-related information.
The Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) has strongly rejected the Election Commission's (EC) newly issued "Media Guidelines 2025", citing concerns over press freedom and the public's right to electoral information.
In a joint statement released today (27 July), RFED President Kazi Jebell and General Secretary Golam Rabbani called on the EC to revise the policy through open and inclusive discussions involving relevant media stakeholders.
RFED expressed concern that the guidelines would severely limit journalists' access to polling centres and hinder their ability to gather and report election-related information.
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The organisation noted that key aspects of the guidelines, including restricted movement, limitations on observation, and conditions for data collection, would create unnecessary obstacles to transparent reporting during elections.
One of the primary criticisms from RFED was the EC's failure to consult media professionals before finalising the policy – something the group sees as contrary to democratic principles.
The statement emphasised that the guidelines lack clear provisions ensuring a safe and unrestricted environment for journalists to operate.
