Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed spoke at a press briefing held this evening at the EC building in the city's Agargaon. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has revised its operational protocol to permit voters, candidates, agents, journalists and observers to carry mobile phones into polling centers.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed came up with the development at a press briefing held this evening at the EC building in the city's Agargaon.

Akhtar Ahmed explained that the commission decided to amend the protocol to remove any ambiguity regarding device usage on election day. 

Under the revised circular, he said, specific provisions have been made for media and monitoring personnel to ensure they can carry out their professional duties without hindrance.

Journalists are permitted to carry mobile phones and will take photographs within the polling centers to document the proceedings, he added.

He said that election observers are authorized to carry mobile phones and will take photographs as part of their monitoring responsibilities.

The Secretary noted that the move aims to streamline operations and ensure transparency for all stakeholders.

"We are correcting this so that there is no more hesitation," he stated, emphasizing that the previous circular was modified to eliminate any confusion.

He said that the possession or use of mobile phones is strictly forbidden inside the secret booth or ballot stamping room.

The Senior Secretary further clarified that the updated protocol maintains strict prohibitions for personnel assigned to official election duties. 

Polling agents, polling officers, assistant presiding officers and members of law enforcement are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile devices while on active duty within the centers, he added.

Akhtar Ahmed specified that these regulations apply to all members of law enforcement on duty, ensuring that those responsible for conducting and securing the polls remain focused on their official mandates in accordance with standard electoral regulations.

Secretary Ahmed concluded that after thorough deliberation, the commission opted to cancel the specific restrictive sections of the previous order. 

The issuance of this amended protocol is intended to resolve all existing dilemmas and ensure a smooth, transparent process for everyone involved in the electoral proceedings, he added.