Journalists say the new system was introduced without adequate consultation with media stakeholders
Election Commission building at Agargaon in the capital. Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
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Election Commission building at Agargaon in the capital. Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
Journalists seeking accreditation cards and vehicle stickers for election coverage are facing widespread difficulties under the Election Commission’s newly introduced online application system, raising concerns over the commission’s preparedness ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum.
For the first time, the Election Commission (EC) has made the application process fully online through its portal, requiring journalists to submit requests for press cards and vehicle stickers digitally. However, many journalists across the country report struggling to complete applications due to technical glitches, including failure to receive OTP codes, repeated server downtime, difficulties uploading photos and signatures in required formats, and unsuccessful submission of applications.
The EC has directed journalists to apply through the portal by 3 February to obtain accreditation for covering the referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for 12 February. A letter outlining the process was sent to returning officers on Monday by EC Public Relations Director Md Ruhul Amin Mallik.
Journalists say the new system was introduced without adequate consultation with media stakeholders. Kazi Jebel, president of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), said the sudden rollout of the online process without prior discussion has created uncertainty.
“Many journalists may be deprived of accreditation due to technical complications. More importantly, the policy itself has not been properly revised to match the new system,” he said, adding that concerns would be raised in an upcoming meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.
Several journalists described repeated failures to receive OTP codes or codes expiring within seconds, preventing login. Others reported error messages stating registered phone numbers were invalid.
Many journalists believe the previous manual system submitting documents directly to the EC Secretariat or returning officers was more efficient, allowing instant verification and correction of errors. Under the new system, even minor technical issues risk application rejection.
District and upazila-level journalists are facing greater challenges due to limited access to scanning facilities, high-speed internet and technical support. Media professionals warn that the complex process may create unequal access to accreditation and hinder independent election coverage.
Responding to concerns, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said, “If there are complications in the application process, we will take steps to make it easier.”
The EC maintains that only accredited journalists will be allowed entry to polling centres on election day, alongside voters and authorised officials. It has urged media workers to complete applications within the deadline while technical adjustments to the system are ongoing.
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