Resolve accreditation issues by 1 Feb or election coverage may be affected: Journalists to EC

Journalists have issued an ultimatum to the Election Commission, warning that they will decide whether to cover the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum if complications over press cards and vehicle stickers are not resolved by 1 February.

The warning came after a meeting between journalist leaders and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon today (29 January).

The Reporters Forum for Election & Democracy (RFED) arranged the meeting attended by the leaders of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) and Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF).

Journalist leaders said the EC's newly introduced online application system for press accreditation applications and vehicle stickers has created confusion and hardship since its launch.

According to them, journalists across the country are facing serious difficulties in submitting applications under the new system.

They demanded that the previous system of direct application be reinstated. Failing that, they said, journalist leaders would meet to decide whether to collect and publish election-related news.

They set Sunday (1 February) as the deadline for a satisfactory resolution, warning of strict decisions regarding election coverage and broadcast if the issue remains unresolved.

Kazi Jebel, president of the RFED, said journalists have long demanded revisions to the journalists' policy, but the commission did not take the issue into account. "Instead, a new online application system for cards and vehicle stickers was introduced without any discussion."

"This application is not user-friendly at all. It is increasing harassment for journalists and may create more serious complications in the future," he said.

DUJ President Shahidul Islam said the online registration process is unrealistic in the limited time before the election.

"It is not realistic to issue cards to all journalists through online registration within such a short timeframe," he said.

He added that journalist organisations have demanded a return to the earlier, simpler method of issuing cards and stickers. "The commission has acknowledged the problem and assured us that it will provide a solution by Sunday. If there is no solution, we will be compelled to take further steps," he said.

Journalist leaders further said that previously, applications could be submitted directly to the Election Commission Secretariat or relevant returning officers' offices, allowing immediate verification, correction of errors and resolution of problems.

They also suggested that instead of enforcing a new online system during a national election, it could be tested later as a pilot project in local government elections.

'Commission will issue instructions by Sunday'

CEC AMM Nasir Uddin told the meeting that the commission would discuss the journalists' demands with other election commissioners and issue instructions by Sunday.

"The process of issuing journalist cards online is not user-friendly. This is our new journey, so a problem has appeared with it. It has become a problem. Since it [online application process] is for the first time, it is definitely a problem. it will be resolved," he said, reports UNB.

About the requirement for journalists to seek the permission of the presiding office for access to the polling stations, the CEC said the presiding officers of the polling stations have already informed that journalists don't need to seek permission.

Nasir Uddin said the commission has already issued a circular regarding the security of journalists during the elections.

"We have already made it clear. We want to make your work easier. You, but I mean, if you keep your eyes on the elections, it will enhance transparency in my things [works]. We want you to see and observe the elections," he said.

Noting that the EC has identified the problem, the CEC said, "I alone cannot give a decision. I hope that you will get a decision soon, after the commission meeting." 

BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque Raza and its executive Milton Anwar Executive, BSRF President Masudul Hoque and its general secretary Obaidullah Badal, among others, spoke at the meeting moderated by RFED general secretary Golam Rabbani.