Writer: Shihab Ahmed, Journalist
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Election Commission (EC) issued the “Policy for Journalists/Media Workers on Election Reporting 2025” on July 23. The policy begins with a promising statement:
“Media plays a vital role in holding fair, free, and peaceful elections. The Election Commission provides necessary assistance so that journalists can unhinderedly collect and broadcast news from polling stations during national and local government elections.”
While the statement is undoubtedly hopeful, reality paints a different picture. Having practiced journalism at the field level for the past decade, I have rarely found election officials to be “helpful” during national or local elections. I had expected the current reformist government to improve this environment, but the existing decisions suggest my aspirations may remain unfulfilled. We must question whose interests are served by maintaining policies that obstruct independent journalism during elections.
Contradictions in Entry and Permission
Section 10 of the newly announced policy states: “Journalists with valid ID cards issued by the Election Commission can enter polling stations directly. After entry, they can collect information, take photos, and record videos by informing the Presiding Officer…”
Herein lies the problem. If a journalist enters a booth and witnesses an irregularity, must they wait for the Presiding Officer’s permission to document it? What if the officer themselves is complicit in the malpractice? Requiring “permission” or “notification” in a sensitive environment like a polling station directly conflicts with the essence of independent journalism.
Legal Risks and Vulnerabilities
Section 11 of the policy warns that if a journalist fails to follow these directives, their pass may be canceled, and legal action may be taken under election laws. This makes journalists subservient to the whims of the Presiding Officer—a dangerous signal for a free press.
Under the Referendum Act 1991, a Presiding Officer is tasked with maintaining order, but controlling the professional conduct or “permission” of journalists is not explicitly within their jurisdiction. Granting them such power now is legally questionable.
The Role of Law Enforcement
Experience shows that it is often the security forces at the entrance, rather than the Presiding Officers, who block journalists. At times, they act as if they are the ultimate authorities of the center. Although Section 8 of the policy states that instructions regarding journalists must be communicated to all relevant officials, in practice, a journalist’s entry often depends on the “goodwill” of a security guard.
Comparison with International Standards
In democratic nations, the freedom to cover elections without seeking local permission is a standard.
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India: The EC issues a central authorization; no local permission is needed for individual booths.
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Nepal & Sri Lanka: Journalists can film freely as long as the secrecy of the ballot is not compromised.
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UNESCO/OSCE Guidelines: “Journalists must have unimpeded access to polling stations and counting centers without any prior approval.” Bangladesh’s current policy clearly deviates from these international benchmarks.
Proposals for Reform
The Election Commission can ensure both freedom and accountability through the following reforms:
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Single Authorization: A journalist’s ID card should be the only “permission” needed.
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Media Facilitation Cells: Establishing cells in every district to resolve immediate disputes.
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Accountability for Officials: If a Presiding Officer or security personnel unfairly obstructs a journalist, they must be held accountable.
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Mobile Journalism Guidelines: Realistic guidelines for live broadcasts and mobile reporting are essential in the digital age.
The Irrelevance of ‘Permission’ in the Digital Age
In an era where every reporter—and even citizen journalists—carries a smartphone, waiting for permission is obsolete. News is only valuable when it is timely. A delay for “permission” often results in the suppression of truth.
Conclusion
Independent journalism is not just a profession; it is a pillar of democracy. Restricting journalists through Section 10 of the EC policy weakens the very foundation of the state.
Election is not just a festival of votes; it is a measure of public trust. The media safeguards that trust. Therefore, elections cannot be free or credible if the freedom to collect information is restricted. The Bangladesh Election Commission should immediately repeal or amend the restrictive clauses of this policy to restore the dignity of the press.
Democracy is at its strongest when journalists can speak truth to power without barriers. Only by ensuring this freedom can the EC truly create a “journalist-friendly” election environment.
