EC Bans Mobile Phones Near Polls
The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has imposed a strict ban on carrying mobile phones into polling centers during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.
According to an official directive signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam of the EC’s Election Management and Coordination-1 wing, no individual will be allowed to enter within a 400-yard radius of any polling station with a mobile phone on election day, except for a few designated officials.
The directive, issued on Sunday (February 8), has already been circulated to divisional commissioners, regional election officers, district administrators, and returning officers across the country.
The ban will be enforced on February 12, 2026, the day voting is scheduled to take place. Polling will run from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The EC clarified that only the following officials may carry mobile phones inside polling centers:
The Presiding Officer assigned to the polling station
The Officer-in-Charge of police responsible for the polling center
Two designated Ansar members using the “Election Security 2026” mobile application
All other individuals, including voters and observers, must comply with the restriction.
The Election Commission has instructed all relevant authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the directive is implemented effectively, aiming to maintain transparency, discipline, and security during the voting process.
