The instructions in this regard signed by the Election Commission's Joint Secretary (ongoing duty) SM Asaduzzaman have already been sent to the Returning Officer.
It is mentioned in this- Journalists are being given journalist identity cards from Election Commission Secretariat and Returning Officer's office for gathering news of Khulna City Corporation election. Authorized journalists must collect and disseminate news from the polling stations in accordance with the specified instructions.
The instructions are- Journalists with a valid identity card obtained from the EC can directly enter the polling station. After entering the polling station, he can enter the polling station, collect information and take pictures and videos of the polling process by notifying the presiding officer.
Journalists cannot interfere in the work of election officials.
Do not touch or remove any election materials.
During the gathering of election news, any kind of activities for or against any election candidate or any political party should be avoided.
Journalists must comply with the constitution, election laws and regulations to assist in the election process.
Journalists are not allowed to enter the secret voting room and take any pictures or videos inside.
Journalists should refrain from doing anything that disrupts the polling process of the Centre.
Earlier, the Election Commission made it mandatory to enter the polling station with the permission of the presiding officer. But in view of the demands of the journalists, the organization has moved away from that decision and made it easier than before to enter the polling station. Now no permission will be required to enter the polling station. However, to enter the polling station, the presiding officer's permission must be taken.
On May 15 (Tuesday), the general election of Talora municipality of Bogra district along with Khulna City Corporation and by-elections of two municipalities will be held. Also, general elections will be held in 7 Union Parishads and by-elections in 46 Union Parishads.
The EC has also asked the polling officials and law enforcement agencies to inform these instructions, the letter to the official said. Copies of the letter have also been sent to the concerned Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Commissioners of Police, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Inspector Generals of Police.
