The Election Commission (EC) has imposed restrictions on vehicle movement ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the accompanying referendum.
On polling day, certain vehicles will remain off the roads, while motorcycles will face a three-day ban.
According to a letter signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain of the EC’s Election Management–2, the Road Transport and Highways Division has been requested to implement the EC’s directives.
The restrictions state that taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be banned from midnight on 11 February until midnight on 12 February, covering the full 24 hours of polling day.
Motorcycles, meanwhile, will face a 72-hour restriction from midnight on 10 February to midnight on 13 February.
Exemptions apply for emergency services and special purposes. This includes law enforcement, armed forces, administrative vehicles, authorised observers, and press vehicles.
Other exemptions cover vehicles carrying medicines, health services, passengers travelling to airports (with tickets), long-distance passenger vehicles, and one vehicle per contesting candidate or election agent, with returning officer approval.
Licensed telecom service vehicles are also exempt.
The EC’s directive also allows flexibility on major roads, ports, and highways connecting districts or cities.
District magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners can impose or relax restrictions based on local circumstances and necessity.
The election and referendum will be held on 12 February.
