Dhaka, July 26 -- The Election Commission (EC) has introduced new guidelines limiting journalists' access to polling booths during the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, including a ban on live streaming from within polling areas and a time limit for media presence inside voting booths.

According to the updated "Guidelines for Journalists/Media Personnel Assigned to Cover Election News 2025", issued last week, only journalists carrying valid EC-issued accreditation cards will be permitted to enter polling centres. Upon entry, they must inform the presiding officer before collecting any election-related information, taking photographs, or recording video footage.

The new rules specifically prohibit capturing images or video inside th...