EC imposes strict restrictions on vehicle movement for three days of voting

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed strict traffic regulations nationwide ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. 

To ensure smooth voting, motorcycles will be completely banned from the roads for a full 72 hours, spanning from midnight on February 10 to midnight on February 13.

Additionally, on voting day itself, taxi cabs, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be prohibited from operating, with the restriction running from midnight on February 11 (12:00 a.m.) to midnight on February 12. 

All types of watercraft, including launches and engine boats (except those on specific fixed routes), will also face a 24-hour ban on movement during the same period—from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12—as outlined in a separate directive from the EC to the Ministry of Shipping. These measures were detailed in two letters signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on Tuesday and sent to the Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department as well as the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping.

Certain exemptions apply to maintain essential services and necessities. 

Vehicles belonging to law enforcement agencies, armed forces, administration, authorised election observers, ambulances, those carrying medicines and health supplies, and newspaper distribution will be allowed to operate. 

Long-distance passenger transport and vehicles for airport-bound passengers (along with their relatives) may run if valid tickets are shown. 

For candidates, one vehicle per contestant and one for their election agents will be permitted on voting day, subject to Returning Officer approval and display of required stickers. 

The same applies to journalists, election observers, and vehicles involved in emergency work. 

Motorcycles may operate for officials, employees engaged in election duties, or other necessary personnel with prior approval. 

Telecommunication services, including vehicles of BTRC and its licensed entities, are treated as emergency and remain exempt.

Local authorities, such as District Magistrates or Metropolitan Police Commissioners, retain the flexibility to impose additional restrictions or grant relaxations based on local conditions, particularly on national highways, ports, inter-district routes, and key metropolitan connecting roads.

For water transport, similar relaxations are in place. 

The boat ban does not apply to vessels used by contesting candidates, their election agents, or domestic/foreign observers (with valid identity cards) upon Returning Officer permission. 

It also excludes boats involved in collecting election news (with ID), law enforcement, election officials and staff, as well as emergency services like ambulances, fire services, electricity, gas, postal, and telecommunication operations. 

Long-distance vessels and those serving as the sole means of transport for voters or the public in certain areas remain unaffected. 

Authorities can further adjust these rules as needed for urgent matters, such as port activities or supplying essential goods on major waterways, while District Magistrates or relevant officials may tailor additional vessel restrictions to suit local realities.