Vehicle Restrictions Enforced Ahead of National Election

In a move aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, the Election Commission (EC) has imposed temporary restrictions on the movement of various types of vehicles. The measures will take effect in the days immediately preceding and on the election day itself, 12 February.

According to an official notification issued by the EC, motorcycles will face a three-day ban, while other major vehicles will be prohibited for 24 hours. The decision was communicated by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Election Management Wing, in a letter to the Road Transport and Highways Division on Tuesday, 27 January, urging the authorities to implement the restrictions effectively.

The EC’s notification details the restrictions as follows:

Under these directives, the affected vehicles will generally be prohibited from operating on city roads, district highways, and national thoroughfares. Exceptions, however, will be made for vehicles performing essential services or operating under special permission, including:

Law enforcement, armed forces, and administrative vehicles

Accredited election observers and press vehicles

Ambulances and vehicles transporting essential medicines

Airport passenger transport (with ticket verification)

Long-distance passenger transport vehicles

Vehicles of election candidates or their agents (with returning officer approval)

Vehicles of telecommunications service providers licensed by BTRC

Additionally, special allowances will be made for access to national highways, ports, and key urban or inter-district entry points. Local conditions and security considerations may empower District Magistrates or Metropolitan Police Commissioners to further restrict or relax vehicle movement as required.

The Election Commission has emphasised that any violation of these restrictions will invite legal action. Citizens are urged to plan their travel carefully and comply with the directives to ensure both personal safety and uninterrupted electoral operations. The measures are part of broader instructions also covering government and service vehicles to facilitate a secure and efficient voting process.

Authorities have advised that the temporary suspension of vehicle movement, particularly motorcycles and major vehicles, should be treated with utmost seriousness by the public to maintain safety and order during this critical period.