Dhaka, Feb 09 (V7N) – The Election Commission (EC) has withdrawn its earlier decision prohibiting the use of mobile phones within 400 yards of polling stations for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and referendum.

EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development on Monday afternoon.

Earlier, the EC had issued a directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, instructing that no one other than the presiding officer, police in-charge, Ansar, or two designated Ansar members using the VDP’s ‘Nirbhachan Suraksha 2026’ application would be allowed to carry mobile phones near polling stations. The directive had drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, journalists, and civil society, who argued that it could hinder transparency and the reporting of irregularities.

With the withdrawal of the restriction, voters and election observers will now be able to carry mobile phones while entering polling areas, ensuring better communication and transparency during the election process.

END/SMA/AJ