Journalists get new rules for covering polls

The election commission has introduced new guidelines defining what journalists can and cannot do while covering elections in Bangladesh.

The directive outlines strict limitations, including a ban on live broadcasting from inside polling booths and restrictions on taking photographs inside secret voting rooms.

The guidelines, titled “Policy for Journalists/Media Professionals 2025”, were issued on Wednesday.

It applies not only to next general election but also to all local government polls -- covering district, Upazila, union, municipality, and city corporation levels.

As per the commission, accreditation cards and vehicle stickers will be issued to approved print, television, online news portals, IPTV platforms, freelance journalists, international organisations, and foreign reporters.

WHAT’S PERMITTED, WHAT’S NOT

• Accredited journalists may enter polling centres and are allowed to collect information, photos, and videos after informing the presiding officer.
• No photography is allowed inside the secret voting room. No more than two journalists may enter a polling booth at once, and their stay must not exceed 10 minutes.

• Interviews with election officials, agents, or voters are not permitted inside polling booths.
• Live broadcasting from within polling booths is not allowed.
• Live coverage from polling centres must be done from a safe distance away from the booths.
• Journalists may be present during the vote counting process and take photographs, but they cannot go live from the venue.
• Direct streaming from polling booths on social media platforms is also prohibited.