EC bans mobile phones at polling centres

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a ban on carrying mobile phones into polling centres during the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

On Sunday (8 Feb), EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam issued instructions to the concerned returning officers to enforce the restriction.

According to the directive, no one will generally be allowed to enter within a 400-yard radius of polling centres with a mobile phone during the national election and referendum scheduled for 12 February.

However, presiding officers in charge of polling centres, police officers-in-charge assigned to polling duties, and two members each of Ansar, general Ansar and VDP using the ‘Election Security 2026’ application will be exempt from the restriction.

The directive said the decision was taken to ensure that the election is held in a free, fair and peaceful manner, and instructed all concerned to strictly comply with the order.