Police enforce motorcycle ban with citywide checkpoints ahead of polls

Authorities are enforcing a 72-hour ban on motorcycle movement imposed by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the Feb 12 general election and referendum.

The restriction, which began at midnight on Feb 10, will remain in force until midnight on Feb 13, the day after polls close. Motorcycles carrying EC-approved stickers will be exempt.

On Wednesday, law-enforcing officers were seen stopping motorcycles at checkpoints across Dhaka to check for authorised stickers.

EC Deputy Secretary Md Monir Hossain has written to the Road Transport Secretary to implement the directive.

According to the order, from midnight on Feb 11 to midnight on Feb 12, taxi cabs, pick-up trucks, and microbuses will also be barred from operating.

The ban does not apply to vehicles used by law-enforcing agencies, the Armed Forces, administrative officials or authorised observers. Vehicles engaged in emergency services, including those transporting medicines, healthcare supplies or newspapers, are also exempt.

Vehicles travelling to and from airports for relatives, subject to proof such as tickets, and vehicles carrying long-distance passengers will also be allowed to operate.

Each candidate will be permitted one vehicle, and each candidate’s election agent may also use one small vehicle, such as a jeep, car or microbus, with approval from the returning officer.

Journalists, observers and vehicles used for emergency purposes may operate with permission from the EC or returning officers.

Motorcycles used by election officials and others involved in election duties may also be permitted with approval. Telecommunications services are being treated as emergency services, and vehicles operated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and its licensed entities are exempt.

The restrictions will be relaxed on national highways, ports, major inter-district roads and key entry and exit routes to metropolitan areas.

On polling day, water transport services will also be suspended under similar conditions.