The 11-party alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Monday urged the Election Commission (EC) not to reduce mobile internet speeds or impose restrictive mobile phone bans during the upcoming referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.
Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachan Bhaban, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair told reporters that the alliance had raised concerns about reports suggesting possible internet slowdowns on polling day.
“We clearly told the Commission that any decision to restrict internet access would resemble past authoritarian practices. The EC assured us that no such move would be taken,” Zubair said.
The alliance also objected to a recently issued directive that prohibited carrying and using mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling centres, except for a small number of authorised officials. Zubair said such sudden measures create confusion and public anxiety, particularly when authorities have repeatedly pledged to ensure a peaceful, credible and festive election.
He added that after discussions, the EC informed them the directive would be withdrawn. Later in the evening, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that candidates, polling agents, journalists and election observers would be allowed to carry mobile phones within the restricted zone on election day, easing earlier controls.
Under the revised guidelines, mobile phone use inside polling stations will still be limited to essential personnel, including the presiding officer, the officer-in-charge of security and two Ansar members assigned to operate the Election Security 2026 mobile application.
The Jamaat-led alliance also voiced concern over the law and order situation in several districts, including Khulna, Natore and Shariatpur, alleging that the conduct of certain law enforcement officials could undermine the fairness of the vote. They called on the EC to issue clear instructions and, if necessary, reassign officials to ensure a level playing field.
Additionally, the alliance supported the deployment of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members, saying their involvement would help maintain order during what is expected to be a high-turnout election combined with a national referendum.
“We do not want to repeatedly approach the Election Commission,” Zubair said. “We expect the EC to exercise its full authority to address these concerns and guarantee a free, fair and peaceful election.”
