Dhaka:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda has said that photos can be taken inside polling booths in the upcoming 11th National Parliament election. But live broadcasting from there will not be allowed, he said.
He made this statement at a press conference held at the Media Center of the Election Building on Saturday (December 15).
The CEC said, "Today's meeting discussed the code of conduct, center management, observers, and what activities and facilities journalists will be able to carry out or receive. Advertisements will be aired on television from next week regarding the observance of the code of conduct."
KM Nurul Huda said, "We have decided about observers and journalists. No live broadcasts can be made inside the polling station. Journalists will have to go to the center in a limited number so that the officials do not face any difficulties in conducting the vote. There are rules for Bangladeshi observers as well as foreigners. They must be followed. They will not be able to stay inside the center for a long time. They will not be able to broadcast live news. However, they can do so outside the polling station."
The CEC said, inside the polling booth. Inside the room. Center means room. Only inside the room. Not the field. Live broadcast from inside the room is not allowed. Photos of the secret room cannot be taken. The matter is clear. However, photos can be taken on mobile phones.
The live broadcast cannot be done where the voting is conducted, where the presiding officer and polling agents are sitting. It can be done live from the balcony. We have taken this decision so that the work of the polling officers is not disturbed.
In response to various questions from journalists, the CEC said, "If 30-40 people go to the polling booth together, they (the presiding officer and polling agent) will not be able to work. There must be respect for the presiding officer's management. His words must be obeyed."
He also said that mobile phones cannot be used inside the polling booth. However, a decision has not yet been made to reduce the speed of mobile banking and internet.
Regarding the violation of the code of conduct, he said, "We have formed 122 election investigation committees. It is better to complain to them. Most of the responsibility for the election lies with the returning officers. Besides, there are executive and judicial magistrates. Complaints can also be made to them."
Regarding police attacks and harassment on opposition parties, the Chief Election Commissioner said, "We will write to the Home Ministry and the Inspector General of Police within tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. So that no candidate or candidate's workers are unnecessarily harassed or arrested unless they are involved in criminal offenses."
The CEC also said that he believes a level playing field has been confirmed in the election. He said, "The candidates are able to carry out their campaign work. I think a level playing field has been confirmed."
Regarding the role of the armed forces, KM Nurul Huda said, the army can make arrests according to the CRPC (Criminal Procedure Code) considering the situation. However, they have not been given magisterial powers.
Election Commissioners Mahbubu Talukder, Rafiqul Islam, Brigadier (retd) Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury, Kabita Khanam and EC Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed were present at the time.
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