To avoid confusion among voters over vehicle movement on polling day, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a set of directives outlining restrictions and exemptions ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary election and the referendum.
Vehicles that will not be allowed
According to the EC, the movement of taxicabs, pickup vans, microbuses and trucks will remain suspended nationwide from 12:00am Wednesday (the night before polling day) until 12:00am Friday.
Motorcycle movement will be banned from 12:00am Tuesday until 12:00am Friday, the day after the election. However, motorcycles carrying Election Commission-issued stickers will be exempted from the restriction.
Vehicles that will be allowed
The restrictions will not apply to vehicles operated by law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, government administration and authorised observers.
Vehicles engaged in emergency services, including medical, health and medicine-related services, will be allowed to operate. Newspaper delivery vehicles will also remain exempt.
Passengers travelling to and from airports may use vehicles upon showing valid air tickets or other supporting documents.
Long-distance public transport will be allowed to operate. Vehicles may also be used locally by passengers travelling on long routes.
For each contesting candidate, one small vehicle will be permitted. Additionally, one small vehicle each for the candidate and their election agent — either a car, jeep or microbus — will be allowed with approval and official stickers issued by the returning officer.
Vehicles and motorcycles used by journalists, observers and for emergency purposes will be permitted subject to approval from the Election Commission or the returning officer.
Telecommunication services have been declared emergency services. As a result, vehicles operated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and licensed telecom operators will also remain exempt from the restrictions.
Election expert Md Abdul Alim said voters would be allowed to use private cars to travel to polling centres.
Metro Rail to operate normally
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) said metro rail services would operate as usual on polling day. If necessary, the number of trains will be increased to facilitate voters’ travel.
