Hindustan Surkhiyan Desk: Since vote casting started this morning, allegations have been pouring in from The Daily Star journalists complaining that they were barred from entering various polling centres around Dhaka city.
Meanwhile at a centre in Dhaka, two journalists were asked to show the notes they had taken at the spot.
In Badda, Star journo Jamir Russell was not allowed to enter Satarkul Deen Mohammad Balika Dakhil Madrasa centre in Uttar Badda area at 9:00am.
On learning that he is a journalist of The Daily Star, a suspected AL supporter, Selim, told Jamir Russell to not enter the polling centre. “Rather, have a cup of tea with me,” our reporter quoted him as saying.
In Shyampur area of Dhaka, one of our senior reporters was also not allowed to enter the polling centre at Faridabad High School centre.
In Mirpur-10, The Daily Star’s photojournalist Palash Khan was refused entry to the Mirpur Girls Ideal Laboratory School and University.
Furthermore, around 8:30am, just half an hour after the voting started, Star journo Rafiul Islam could not enter Nawabganj Pilot High School.
Meanwhile, one Star photojournalist today alleged that they were not allowed into the BIT polling centre in Mohakhali DOHS with any camera bag or mobile phone.
They were refused entry with mobile phones as this was a VIP polling centre, officials present there said.
At Kalachandpur Government Primary High School and College, our reporters from the spot said that law enforcement members tried to check their notes at the polling centre.
Meanwhile, at one polling centre in Titumir College in Mohakhali, our reporter was barred from taking photos but he still managed to take a few photos before exiting the center.
VOTERS TOO FACE TROUBLE WITH MOBILE PHONES
Our staff correspondent reported that the authorities are not allowing the voters with their mobile phones at Basabo Girls High School polling centre in Dhaka-9 constituency this morning
When contacted, Presiding Officer ABM Quamrul Hasan told The Daily Star, “We have no information of allowing the voters with mobiles”.
Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam on December 25 had said voters will not be allowed to carry mobile phone sets while entering polling centres to exercise their franchise.
