Mobile phone ban near polling centres a tool for rigging: Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah, an 11-party alliance-backed candidate for Cumilla-4 constituency, has criticised the Election Commission’s decision to ban mobile phone use within 400 yards of polling centres, calling it a “reckless move” and a “tool to facilitate vote rigging.”

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Hasnat said the directive effectively prevents voters, journalists, and citizen journalists from documenting irregularities. He argued that banning mobile phones would hinder real-time reporting of electoral misconduct, something CCTV cameras alone cannot prevent.

Hasnat noted that many voters may feel unsafe attending polling centres without mobile phones, potentially reducing voter turnout. He also warned that journalists, who rely heavily on mobile devices for photo and video reporting on election day, would face serious professional obstacles.

According to the EC directive issued on Sunday, only presiding officers, designated police officers, and two authorised Ansar members are allowed to carry mobile phones at polling centres.

Observers say this is the first time such a strict restriction has been imposed during a national election, raising concerns over transparency and press freedom.