Journos barred at polling booths

Who told you to take photos here?

Who told you to take photos here?

Journalists were not allowed to enter booths in several polling stations under Dhaka North City Corporation this morning.

Presiding officers did not let three newsmen of The Daily Star to enter the booths at two polling centres -- Dhaka Ideal School and College at Uttar Badda and Adarsha High School in Mirpur -- just after voting began.

Presiding Officer Abdul Mukit said they have no directive on allowing journalists inside the booths.

The magistrate assigned to wards 37 and 38 told our newsmen he did not find any polling agent while visiting the polling station, the correspondents said.

Meanwhile, a staff photographer of The Daily Star was threatened by an Awami League supporter and was asked to leave Sir Salimullah Medical College polling centre under Dhaka South City Corporation, the photojournalist said.

He was also barred from taking photos there.

“Who told you to take photos here? You cannot stay here,” the AL supporter said to the photographer.