Policy to regulate online TV media on election day proposed

At a law and order meeting convened by the Election Commission, several participants have proposed formulating a policy to regulate media reports related to the polls on election day.
Election commissioners, officials from the home ministry, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and district administration, and returning officers attended the meeting in Dhaka on Saturday.
Many officials who attended the meeting informed bdnews24.com about the proposal.“The real-time reporting of minor incidents sometime creates an adverse impact because the news spreads quickly,” an official of a law enforcing agency observed.
He suggested exploring the possibilities of formulating the policy.
On the other hand, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad pointed out that the media often help in the speedy acquisition of information.
“The media are of help to the Election Commission,” he said.
Recalling some unpleasant incidents from the past, the CEC assured that there would be no “misunderstanding” in future over the entry of media persons in the polling centres.
“I have told law enforcers to avoid misunderstandings. Journalists will receive approved cards to enter the polling centres. I hope they will not disrupt the elections in any way,” he said.
Dismissing all apprehension, the CEC said, “We are very optimistic about a festive atmosphere and fair elections.”
The elections will be held at 234 municipalities across Bangladesh on Dec 30.
An intelligence agency at the meeting suggested taking “special precautions” during street rallies in the districts where terrorist groups are active.
The director general of a force said patrolling would be intensified to prevent the use of small arms during the elections.
“Small arms have not been used so far during electioneering. The situation is now under the EC’s control. The EC will also issue a directive for the people to submit licensed arms to the authorities.”
He also informed that apart from reserved forces in every municipality and polling centre, there would also be helicopters for use if needed.
Another law enforcing agent assured the CEC that “special measures” would be taken to prevent post-polls violence.