The Election Commission (EC) has imposed restrictions on the movement of several types of vehicles across the country ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12.
According to a notification issued today, the movement of taxi cabs, pickups, microbuses and trucks will remain suspended from 12:00 midnight on February 11 to 12:00 midnight on February 12, the polling day.
In addition, a separate ban has been imposed on the movement of motorcycles from 12:00 midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13, the handout said.
However, the restrictions will be relaxed for a number of essential and authorised services. These include vehicles used by law enforcement agencies, armed forces, civil administration and accredited local and foreign observers. Vehicles engaged in emergency services, as well as those transporting medicines, medical supplies, health-related goods and newspapers, will also be exempted.
The notification said vehicles carrying passengers to or from airports will be allowed, provided passengers or relatives can show valid tickets or similar proof. Vehicles used for long-distance travel, including local movement connected to long-distance journeys, will also remain outside the restriction.
Each contesting candidate will be allowed to use one vehicle, and one additional vehicle may be used by the candidate’s election agent, subject to approval from the Returning Officer and display of authorised stickers. Journalists, observers and vehicles required for emergency purposes may also operate with approval from the Election Commission and the Returning Officer.
Motorcycles used by officials and employees engaged in election duties may operate with EC approval. Considering telecommunication services as emergency services, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and its licensed organisations have been authorised to take necessary measures to relax restrictions on national highways, ports, major roads and connecting routes where required.
The notification also empowers District Magistrates and Metropolitan Police Commissioners to impose or relax vehicle movement restrictions, except for the exempted categories, depending on local requirements during the election and referendum period.
The notification was signed by Al-Amin Md Nurul Islam, deputy secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department.
