Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has described the imposition of strict restrictions on journalists carrying mobile phones at polling centres while collecting information during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum as a naked, unjustified and unacceptable interference in independent journalism.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel said that, in this mobile-phone-dependent era, the argument that banning journalists from carrying mobile phones inside polling centres would ensure electoral discipline is completely illogical and baseless. Rather, such a restriction would create opportunities to conceal electoral irregularities and generate public suspicion about the transparency of the voting process.
The DRU leaders further stated that allowing journalists to carry mobile phones does not interfere with the electoral process; instead, it is an essential element in making elections credible, transparent and accountable.
According to the restrictions issued by the Election Commission, carrying mobile phones within a radius of 400 yards of polling stations has been prohibited for everyone except a few designated officials. In practice, this directive effectively paralyses journalists assigned to election duty at polling centres.
The DRU believes that such a decision directly undermines the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the media and the public’s right to information.
The DRU clearly states that modern journalism is unimaginable without mobile phones. Information gathering, instant reporting, capturing photographs and videos, documenting irregularities, and maintaining emergency communication are all dependent on mobile devices.
Preventing journalists from carrying mobile phones means controlling the flow of election-related information and rendering the electoral process opaque to the public.
The DRU observes with deep concern and anger that certain directives of the Election Commission and their implementation at the field level are creating deliberate obstacles to journalists in performing their professional duties. This is in no way compatible with democratic practice. It is impossible to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election by silencing journalists.
The DRU strongly and firmly demands that the Election Commission immediately ensure the right of journalists on duty to carry mobile phones at polling centres. Otherwise, the DRU will be compelled to consider such restrictions as anti-media decisions and, together with journalists across the country, announce further programmes.
The DRU makes it unequivocally clear that there will be no compromise on the question of independent journalism, and the organisation will remain fully vocal and active in protecting journalists’ professional rights.