To ensure a fair, free, peaceful and impartial 13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum, the Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RpMP) has imposed temporary restrictions on the movement of certain vehicles within the metropolitan area.
According to a public notice signed by RpMP Commissioner Md Majid Ali, the decision has been taken following directives from the Election Commission and the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, said a press release from the Rangpur Regional PID Office on Monday.
As per the notification, the movement of taxi cabs, pickup vans, microbuses and trucks will remain suspended from 12:00 midnight on Wednesday (February 11) to 12:00 midnight on Thursday (February 12). In addition, motorcycle movement will be prohibited for a longer period—from 12:00 midnight on Tuesday (February 10) to 12:00 midnight on Friday (February 13).
The notice warns that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions.
However, the ban will not apply to vehicles used by law enforcement agencies, armed forces, administrative officials, journalists and approved election observers. Emergency service vehicles, including ambulances, fire service, electricity, gas, postal and telecommunications services, as well as vehicles carrying newspapers, are also exempted.
Vehicles supporting disabled voters, transporting emergency goods, medicines and food items, and those carrying passengers traveling to or from airports upon showing valid documents will also be allowed. Limited exemptions have been granted for candidates and election agents with prior approval, while restrictions will be relaxed on key highways and major connecting roads.