EC Imposes Four-Day Restriction on Outsiders in Poll Areas

In a bid to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referendums are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has imposed a temporary restriction on the presence of outsiders within designated electoral areas.

According to the Election Commission, no unauthorised individuals will be permitted to remain in the specified polling zones from Tuesday, 10 February, at 7:30 a.m. until Friday, 13 February, at 4:30 p.m.

The directive was issued through an official notice signed by Md. Shahidul Islam, Senior Assistant Secretary of the EC’s Election Management and Coordination-1 Branch, on Monday, 9 February.

The notice clearly states that, apart from election officials, EC-authorised personnel, and local residents or registered voters of the relevant constituencies, all other individuals are prohibited from entering or remaining in polling areas from 48 hours before voting begins until 24 hours after the completion of polling.

The commission emphasised that this measure is part of its broader strategy to prevent any undue influence, disruptions, or security concerns in election areas, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the voting process. Authorities in the relevant districts and constituencies have been instructed to strictly implement the restrictions and take necessary measures to ensure compliance.

For clarity, the timeline of the restriction is as follows:

Election experts and local administrators have welcomed the EC’s decision, describing it as a preventive step to maintain an impartial election environment. Citizens and residents within the affected constituencies have been urged to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and election officials during the restricted period.

The commission reiterated that any breach of this directive would be considered a violation of election regulations and could result in legal action against the offenders.

This four-day restriction marks a critical component of the Election Commission’s preparedness plan, designed to ensure smooth, orderly, and peaceful elections across the country.