Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed of the Election Commission Secretariat announced on Monday that the commission will withdraw its restriction preventing journalists from entering polling centers with mobile phones. The assurance came amid widespread criticism following a directive issued the previous night that prohibited mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centers during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The earlier directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam of the Election Management and Coordination-1 branch, allowed only presiding officers, police in charge, and two designated Ansar members using the “Election Security 2026” app to carry mobile phones inside polling centers. The instruction had been circulated to divisional commissioners, regional election officers, and all deputy commissioners and returning officers.

Voting is set to take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 12, 2026. The Election Commission’s assurance suggests a possible revision of the earlier decision before polling day.