The media will be not allowed to broadcast live from the polling booths in the upcoming national election, says Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda.
Reporters, however, can go for live telecast from the premises of the voting centres.
“No one will be allowed to enter the booths with mobile phones. Reporters can, but only for taking pictures, they cannot speak on their phones. Journalists will have to comply with the instructions issued for polls observers,” he said on Saturday (Dec 15).
Speaking at a media call at Commission’s offices, Huda said journalists will be allowed to enter the polling stations in limited numbers. “Too many reporters inside the voting rooms makes it tough for election officials to do their job as well create hassles for voters.”
Presiding officers, who are in charge of voting centres, will determine how many reporters can enter a polling booth at a time, said the CEC.
Responding to a query, he said that any decision regarding calls by law enforcement agencies to slow down internet speed and stop mobile banking operation is yet to be made.
Describing Friday’s attack on Jatiya Oikya Front leader Dr Kamal Hossain’s motorcade as ‘unfortunate’, CEC Huda said, “They have written us over the matter, which will be forwarded to the Electoral Inquiry Committee. Legal measures will be taken after they file a report.”
The Commission will write to the home ministry and Bangladesh Police “within a day or two” instructing not arrest to candidate or political activists, except for those accused of criminal offences, without a warrant, he said.
Responding to a query, the CEC said they believe a level playing field for the all the candidates has been ensured. “Candidates are campaigning freely. In case of criminal offences, they can start cases or report to us.”