Road Restrictions Imposed Nationwide Ahead of General Election

In preparation for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent National Referendum, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has issued an official gazette outlining stringent restrictions on vehicular movement across Bangladesh. The directive, signed by Deputy Secretary Al-Amin Mohammad Nurul Islam on Sunday, aims to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the electoral process during the high-stakes polling day scheduled for 12 February 2026.

Timelines and Categorical Bans

The restrictions target various modes of transport with differing levels of severity. General motor vehicles, including taxi cabs, pickups, microbuses, and lorries, will be prohibited from plying the roads from midnight on 11 February until midnight on 12 February.

However, the most significant crackdown concerns motorcycles. To prevent potential voter intimidation and maintain civil order, a 72-hour blanket ban has been imposed on all motorbikes, effective from midnight on 10 February until midnight on 13 February.

Summary of Transport Restrictions

Essential Exemptions and Special Permits

The Ministry has clarified that these measures will not compromise essential services or the logistical requirements of the election itself. A series of exemptions have been codified to facilitate the following groups:

Emergency Services: Ambulances, fire services, and vehicles transporting medicine, medical equipment, or newspapers are permitted to move without hindrance.

Electoral Officials & Observers: Personnel from the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces, and authorised domestic and international observers are exempt.

Candidates & Agents: Contesting candidates and their chief election agents may use one small vehicle (such as a jeep or car) provided they display a valid sticker issued by the Returning Officer.

International Travel: Passengers heading to or returning from the airport will be allowed passage upon presenting valid passports and flight tickets.

Telecommunications: Vehicles belonging to BTRC-licensed service providers are classified as essential and may operate to ensure network stability.

Local Authority and Connectivity

While the ban is nationwide, the Ministry has granted District Magistrates and Metropolitan Police Commissioners the discretionary power to further tighten or relax these rules based on local security assessments. Furthermore, major national highways, ports, and inter-district arterial roads will remain open to ensure that the country’s logistical backbone is not entirely severed, allowing for the continued movement of essential goods.