Metro Services to Run Despite Election-Day Traffic Ban

Despite restrictions on road traffic on the day of the national parliamentary elections and the referendum, Dhaka’s metro services will operate as usual, according to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the authority responsible for metro rail operations.

DMTCL Director AKM Khairul Alam confirmed that metro trains will continue to run according to normal schedules, ensuring uninterrupted commuting for residents and facilitating easy access to polling stations. “Even during election-related holidays, the metro will operate as on a regular working day. There are no restrictions on metro services,” he stated.

However, certain gates located immediately adjacent to polling centres may remain closed for security reasons, while all other station entrances will remain accessible. To maintain uninterrupted metro operations during the election period, DMTCL and all associated personnel have had their leave cancelled.

The traffic restrictions were initially announced nationwide by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges through a government notification issued on 2 February. The regulations specify that from midnight on 11 February to midnight on 12 February, the movement of taxis, pickups, minibuses, and trucks will be prohibited. Additionally, a 72-hour ban on motorcycle travel has been imposed from midnight on 10 February to midnight on 13 February.

Authorities have clarified that exemptions may be granted in cases of emergencies or for election-related duties, allowing vehicles to operate despite the temporary restrictions.

The decision aims to reduce congestion and ensure smooth transportation on election day, while safeguarding voter access and maintaining the security of the polling process.

The following table summarises the key traffic restrictions and metro operations:

Dhaka residents are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use metro services for uninterrupted travel during the election period.