Vehicle restrictions for polls: What you need to know
Restrictions have been imposed on several types of vehicles, while exemptions have also been granted in specific cases.
The Election Commission has issued a set of directives for vehicle movement tomorrow (12 February), on polling day, to avoid confusion among voters.
Ahead of the 13th national election and the referendum, restrictions have been imposed on several types of vehicles, while exemptions have also been granted in specific cases.
According to the EC, motorcycle movement is banned from midnight on 10 February until midnight on 13 February. However, motorcycles carrying EC stickers will be exempted.
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The movement of taxicabs, pickup trucks, microbuses and trucks will remain suspended nationwide from midnight on 11 February until midnight on 12 February.
The restrictions will not apply to vehicles of law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, the administration and authorised observers.
Vehicles engaged in emergency services, including medicine, health and medical services, as well as vehicles carrying newspapers, will be allowed to operate.
Additionally, vehicles used for travelling to and from the airport will also be permitted, provided passengers can show air tickets or other valid proof.
Long-distance public transport will be allowed to operate. Vehicles may also be used locally by passengers travelling on long routes.
For each candidate contesting the polls, one small vehicle, and one small vehicle each for the candidate and their election agent – either a car, jeep or microbus – will be allowed to operate with approval and official stickers issued by the returning officer concerned.
Vehicles and motorcycles used by journalists, observers and for emergency purposes will also be allowed with permission from the EC or the returning officer.
Telecommunication services have been declared emergency services, and vehicles of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and licensed operators will also be exempted.
The directive of the EC also states, "Based on local needs and realities, the respective district magistrate or, in certain cases, the metropolitan police commissioner or other authorities may impose restrictions on additional vehicles or relax such restrictions as per local needs."
Earlier, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited said metro rail services would operate normally on election day. If necessary, the number of trains will be increased to facilitate voters' travel.
