Election Commissioner Md Alamgir on Tuesday said YouTubers have no legal right to access polling centres as they are not journalists.
“Only accredited journalists can enter polling centres, and if the evidence is found of a YouTuber's illegal entry, authorities will be instructed to initiate action,” he told the media, addressing an attack on Hero Alom and allegations of YouTubers entering various polling centres during Monday's Dhaka-17 by-polls.
During the by-election to the most affluent constituency in the capital, several incidents of YouTubers entering various polling stations and broadcasting live on social media platforms were reported.
Many voters reported that despite not having EC-issued cards, these individuals managed to gain access to the polling stations.
In one incident, independent candidate Ashraful Hossen Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom, attempted to enter a polling centre with several YouTubers. Although law enforcement officers allowed Hero Alom to enter, they prevented the accompanying YouTubers from doing the same.
This led to a dispute with the police, and Hero Alom was subsequently attacked by onlookers when leaving the polling centre.
Commenting on the attack on Hero Alom, the election commissioner said: "Hero Alom tried to enter the centre with many supporters, including a large number of YouTubers, almost like 70 people. Police stopped them and said that only the candidate could enter, but the others with him could not. Following a disagreement with police, Hero Alom was assaulted by bystanders as he departed from the polling centre."
He said the Election Commission has already directed the police to act against those involved in the assault.
Responding to questions about the evidence of YouTubers entering several centres without any cards, Alamgir said there was no chance for YouTubers to enter polling stations and police definitely stopped them when they tried to enter.
If there is information that YouTubers entered any polling centre, he advised presenting evidence.
If true, he assured: "We will tell the concerned authorities to take action against them."