Journalists deprived of voting rights in national election while on duty

In the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced an IT-supported postal ballot system for the first time for expatriate Bangladeshis, government officials working outside their constituencies, bankers, election duty personnel, and those in legal custody. However, while thousands are gaining access to the "Postal Vote BD" app, no such provision has been made for media professionals working away from their home districts. As a result, a significant portion of journalists is set to be deprived of their right to vote in this election.

Media workers argue that while the introduction of postal ballots—similar to developed democratic nations—is a positive step, it should not be restricted to a specific group of professionals. They demand that the facility be extended to all individuals staying outside their home areas for work, especially those in the media who are often too busy with professional duties on election day to travel to their voting centers.

Call for Inclusive Voting Rights

Journalists pointed out that unlike the questionable elections under the previous regime, there is widespread enthusiasm for the first post-uprising election. They believe media workers should not be left out of this festive atmosphere of democracy.

"Journalists are no different from others who work away from home. They cannot vote on election day because they are performing their duties. Therefore, they should have the opportunity to vote via postal ballot. If other professionals have this chance, why shouldn't journalists?" said a former General Secretary of the National Press Club.

Current Registration Statistics

According to the "Postal Vote BD" app data, a total of 1,527,155 voters have been approved for postal voting across 300 parliamentary constituencies. The breakdown includes:

• Expatriate Voters: Over 7,60,000

• Government Employees: 5,75,200

• Election Duty Personnel: 1,69,642

• Ansar & VDP: 10,010

• Voters in Legal Custody: 6,284

Media Leaders Speak Out

Liton Islam, the Dhaka University correspondent for Star News and executive member of the University Journalists' Association, told The Daily Campus: "It is unfortunate that while bankers and government staff are being considered, journalists working on the frontlines have been overlooked. We want every journalist, regardless of where they are stationed, to be able to vote."

Mehedi Mamun, President of the Jahangirnagar University Journalists' Association and correspondent for Bonik Barta, shared a personal perspective: "Many of us born after 1990 have never been able to vote in a fair election. I want to vote this time, but I have duties on campus. The government thought of others but not us."

Abu Saleh Akon, President of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), stated that they would discuss the matter within their forum to take a formal decision on bringing it to the Election Commission's notice. "Since the issue has surfaced, we will decide on our next steps collectively," he said.

When contacted for a comment, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed cited a busy schedule and stated he would speak on the matter "later."