Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) is set to introduce a ‘Digital Accreditation and Card Issuance Software’ aimed at simplifying the process for journalists covering national and local government elections. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the accreditation process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a nine-member expert committee has been established to finalize the Software Requirements Specification (SRS) for the system. The committee’s formation followed a meeting at the Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban. Attendees included representatives from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Press Information Department (PID), Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED).
EC’s Additional Secretary Md. Shamsul Alam has been appointed as the convener of the committee, with Director (Public Relations) Md Abdul Momin Sarker serving as the member secretary. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed highlighted the need for the initiative, citing technical challenges faced during the 13th parliamentary election on February 12. The centralized digital platform aims to streamline the card issuance process from the central to the upazila level, ensuring professional journalists can obtain their credentials without difficulty.
The committee is expected to submit its report by September 24, after which the commission will review and approve the final system for card distribution. BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Muhammed Kader Gani Chowdhury emphasized the EC’s role in fortifying the democratic process and ensuring journalists can operate freely and independently.
Chowdhury also noted past issues where political activists and unqualified individuals obtained journalistic credentials, leading to disruptions at polling centers. He welcomed the digital initiative, advocating for thorough verification of journalists from registered media outlets to prevent future fraudulent activities.
The meeting was chaired by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and attended by Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, BTV Director General Kazi Jesin, RFED President Kazi Emad Uddin Jebel, General Secretary Ikram-ud-Daula, and senior officials from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the EC.