Dhaka, Feb. 10 -- The Election Commission (EC) has withdrawn its decision to ban mobile phones inside polling stations amid criticism.

According to the new decision, voters can take mobile phones to polling stations, but they cannot be used in secret booths (where votes are cast).

Orders in this regard, signed by EC Assistant Senior Secretary Shahidul Islam, were sent to returning officers on Tuesday.

In addition to voters, those who can use mobile phones are:

a. The presiding officer in charge of the polling station;

b. The police officer-in-charge at the polling station;

c. Two Ansar members using the "Nirbhasha Surakshya 2026" app of the Ansar-VDP in charge of the polling station;

d. Domestic and foreign journalists and observer...