EC bans people from staying outside own areas for 82.5 hours ahead of polls
The restriction will remain in force from 7am on 10 February, which is 48 hours before the start of polling, until 4:30pm on 13 February, 24 hours after the completion of voting
Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, the Election Commission (EC) has imposed a ban on individuals staying outside their own localities for 82.5 hours to ensure a free, fair and impartial vote.
The decision was communicated today (9 February) through directives sent by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam to all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and police commissioners across the country.
According to the directive, to ensure that the referendum and the 13th parliamentary election are held in an influence-free, neutral and peaceful manner, no individual-- other than those involved in election duties, persons authorised by the Election Commission, and residents or voters of the concerned electoral areas-- will be allowed to stay in any electoral area during the restricted period.
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The restriction will remain in force from 7am on 10 February, which is 48 hours before the start of polling, until 4:30pm on 13 February, 24 hours after the completion of voting, the EC decision said.
The commission said the measure has been taken as part of its efforts to prevent undue influence and ensure law and order during the election and referendum period.
