The Election Commission (EC) has decided to exempt journalists and election observers from a ban on keeping mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres during the elections on 12 February.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah confirmed the exemption while speaking with journalists at the Election Bhaban.

The EC would issue a notification in this regard shortly, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters earlier in the day.

The ban was imposed Sunday only four days before the election day.