RFED rejects EC's 2025 policy for journalists

The Reporters Forum for Elections and Democracy (RFED) has rejected the Election Commission’s newly announced 2025 Policy for Journalists and Media Workers, calling it restrictive and detrimental to press freedom and election transparency.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday (July 27), RFED President Kazi Jebel and General Secretary Golam Rabbani criticized the policy, saying it imposes unnecessary limitations on journalists’ access to polling stations and the collection of election-related information. The statement was signed by RFED Office Secretary Md. Al-Amin.

According to RFED, the policy was formulated without any consultation with media stakeholders, a move they described as undemocratic. They argue that it fails to ensure a safe and independent working environment for journalists and introduces conditions that hinder real-time reporting—such as requiring prior permission from presiding officers to gather information or take photographs.

The policy also limits the number of journalists allowed in a polling station and restricts their time on-site to 10 minutes, which RFED believes will obstruct meaningful coverage of electoral irregularities.

RFED further criticized the policy for allowing punitive measures against journalists while failing to outline any accountability for election officials or law enforcement officers who obstruct media workers. They also objected to the ban on interviewing election officials, agents, or voters inside polling stations, stating that such restrictions undermine transparency and the public’s right to know.

While the policy’s allowance for journalists to use motorcycles on election day was noted as a positive step, RFED said it does little to offset the broader limitations imposed.

The organization urged the Election Commission to revise the policy through an inclusive dialogue with media professionals and stakeholders to ensure a balanced, practical, and press-friendly framework ahead of the upcoming national election.