Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has allowed certain individuals, including voters and candidates, to use mobile phones at polling stations during the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum on February 12, while strictly banning their use in secret rooms (marking places) to safeguard the secrecy of the vote.

The directive was issued in a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam of the EC Secretariat on Tuesday (February 10).

According to the commission, authorized persons permitted to use mobile phones at polling stations include:

  • Presiding officers in charge of polling stations

  • Police in-charge of polling stations

  • Two Ansar members using the Election Security 2026 application

  • Domestic and foreign journalists and observers performing their official duties

  • Candidates, their election agents, and voters

However, the EC emphasized that mobile phones cannot be used in secret rooms where ballots are marked, to maintain the confidentiality of the vote.

The directive further stated that no other law enforcement personnel, except the Assistant Presiding Officer, Polling Officer, Polling Agent, and the designated police and Ansar members, will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling stations.

All concerned have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure compliance with the rules.

END/SMA/AJ