DRU slams mobile phone ban at polling centres as attack on press freedom

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has condemned the restriction on journalists carrying mobile phones at polling centres during the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, calling it a blatant, unreasonable and unacceptable interference in independent journalism.

In a joint statement on Monday, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said imposing such a ban in a mobile-dependent era was baseless and would only create scope for covering up electoral irregularities and raise public doubts about transparency.

The DRU said allowing journalists to carry mobile phones does not disrupt the electoral process; rather, it is essential for ensuring credibility, transparency and accountability.

Under Election Commission directives, mobile phone use has been banned within a 400-yard radius of polling centres, except for a few designated officials. The DRU argued that, in practice, this rule effectively renders on-duty journalists unable to perform their professional duties.

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The organisation maintained that the decision directly undermines constitutionally guaranteed media freedom and the public’s right to information, warning that without mobile phones, modern journalism — including real-time reporting, photography, video documentation and recording irregularities — is impossible.

The DRU urged the Election Commission to immediately ensure journalists’ right to carry mobile phones at polling centres, warning of further nationwide programmes if the restriction is not withdrawn.