Motorcycle Movement Banned Nationwide for 72 Hours

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and accompanying referendum, the Road Transport and Highways Division has imposed restrictions on vehicle movement across Bangladesh. As part of these measures, motorcycle traffic will be prohibited nationwide for a continuous period of 72 hours, commencing at midnight on 10 February.

The directive was formalised in a recent notification signed by Al-Amin Md. Nurul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the BRTA Establishment Division under the Road Transport and Highways Ministry. The notification specifies that the ban on motorcycles will be in effect from 12:00 am on 10 February until 12:00 am on 13 February.

In addition to motorcycles, certain other vehicles will face temporary restrictions: taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be prohibited from operating for 24 hours, starting at midnight on 11 February until midnight on 12 February.

Exceptions to the Ban

The restrictions, however, provide exemptions for essential services and authorised personnel. Vehicles permitted to operate during the ban include:

Law enforcement, armed forces, and administrative vehicles.

Emergency service vehicles, including those transporting medicine, medical equipment, and other essential goods.

Vehicles carrying newspapers.

Vehicles transporting passengers to or from airports with proof of ticket or documentation.

Long-distance passenger transport vehicles operating at local levels.

Moreover, candidates and their election agents may operate one small vehicle each for election-related purposes, provided they display the official sticker and have approval from the Returning Officer.

Journalists, observers, and other personnel involved in essential election duties may also be granted permission to use motorcycles or other vehicles with authorisation from the Election Commission or Returning Officer. Additionally, telecom service providers, licensed by BTRC, and vehicles on national highways, ports, or other critical routes may be exempted to ensure uninterrupted essential services.

District magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners are empowered to enforce, relax, or extend these restrictions for other vehicles as necessary, in line with election security requirements.

Summary of Vehicle Restrictions

The measures aim to ensure smooth, secure, and transparent conduct of the elections, minimising disruptions and maintaining public order during this critical period.