Journalists’ leaders on Thursday set a deadline for the Election Commission (EC) to resolve ongoing complications in issuing press accreditation cards and vehicle stickers ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.
The EC has introduced an online application system for the first time to provide journalists with identification cards and vehicle stickers to ensure unhindered movement during the election period.
However, journalists say the new system is not user-friendly and has been marred by technical difficulties, causing significant inconvenience.
The deadline was announced after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon.
Kazi Jebel, president of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), said they have long been demanding amendments to the existing journalists’ policy, but no revisions have been made despite repeated discussions with the EC.
He alleged that the commission launched the online application system for cards and stickers without final consultations with journalists, adding that the platform is inconvenient for users.
Warning of further complications if the issues persist, Kazi Jebel said journalist organisations have informed the EC that if the problems are not resolved by Sunday, media leaders will meet to decide their next steps regarding election news gathering, coverage and broadcasting.
Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam said the new online process is impractical, particularly given the limited timeframe.
“We have clearly placed all the problems before the Election Commission. The system is not workable, and it is unrealistic to expect all journalists to complete online registration and receive cards within such a short period,” he said.
He urged the EC to revert to the earlier, simpler method of distributing press cards and vehicle stickers.
Shahidul Islam added that the EC has acknowledged the difficulties created by the new system and assured journalists that all issues would be resolved by Sunday, or earlier if possible. He warned that journalists would consider further action if the assurances are not fulfilled.
