Press Release
Dhaka, 9 February 2026: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticized the decision to ban the carrying of mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling stations during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum, describing it as an unreasonable and short-sighted measure that runs counter to ensuring the free flow of information. According to TIB, such a decision risks creating new doubts and questions rather than ensuring transparency, accountability, and particularly the safe participation of voters, and may negatively affect voter confidence and participation. TIB has called upon the Election Commission to immediately revoke this imprudent decision.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated, “To prevent the misuse of phones and technology, it is essential to implement targeted and rational regulations; however, imposing a blanket ban while disregarding voters’ fundamental needs—communication, security, and access to emergency assistance—amounts to ‘cutting off the head for a headache.” Such a move increases the risk of undermining information flow, transparency, and public trust in the electoral process. Moreover, the decision to ban mobile phones at polling stations raises new concerns regarding transparency, a level playing field, and accountability in election management. For a free, fair, and credible election, it is essential to ensure information collection and dissemination, observability, avenues for complaints, and accountability at every stage of the voting process. A blanket ban on mobile phones restricts that environment and risks eroding public confidence in the electoral process.”
Highlighting that the Election Commission’s decision would also create practical barriers for journalists, election observers, and other relevant stakeholders, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added, “Across the country, a large number of journalists primarily use mobile phones to capture and disseminate news, images, and videos in real time. In past elections, crucial information and evidence of irregularities, fraud, and violence have often come to light through mobile phones. Therefore, the ban runs the risk of restricting the flow of information and having a detrimental impact on media freedom. It also makes it more difficult to record and expose any possible wrongdoing, violence, coercion, or other unfavorable events related to the election.
Dr Zaman added that the restriction may discourage voters from attending polling stations and could raise concerns about personal safety, including health-related risks. “Such a decision is highly short-sighted because it fails to ensure clear mechanisms for voters to seek immediate assistance or communicate in situations of insecurity or emergency.” It may create additional risks for women, elderly voters, persons with disabilities, and those travelling from remote areas. Additionally, TIB noted that prohibiting cell phone use within a broad 400-yard radius could result in harassment, arbitrary use of unaccountable power, and confusion at the field level. So, TIB has called on the Election Commission to immediately lift the blanket ban on mobile phones in polling stations.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
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