Motorcycle Movement Ban Ends Tonight

The Road Transport and Highways Division imposed restrictions on vehicle movement to facilitate the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum. As part of the measures, motorcycle movement remains banned nationwide on February 13. However, all other types of vehicles are allowed to operate.

These details were revealed in a recent notification signed by Al-Amin Md. Nurul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the BRTA Establishment Branch under the Road Transport and Highways Division.

According to the notification, to ensure the smooth conduct of voting on February 12, movement of taxi cabs, pick-up vans, microbuses, and trucks was prohibited for 24 hours—from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12.

In addition, motorcycle movement was restricted for 72 hours—from midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13.

However, the restrictions do not apply to vehicles used by law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, administrative officials, and approved observers. Vehicles engaged in emergency services, transportation of medicines and medical supplies, and newspaper distribution are also exempted.

Vehicles transporting passengers to and from airports—provided they can show valid tickets or similar proof—are permitted. Long-distance passenger vehicles and vehicles used locally by long-distance travelers are also exempt from the restrictions.

Furthermore, one small vehicle for each contesting candidate and one for each candidate’s election agent—subject to proper appointment letters or identification and approval from the Returning Officer, along with the display of authorized stickers—are allowed. Vehicles and motorcycles used by journalists, observers, or for emergency purposes are permitted with approval from the Election Commission or the Returning Officer.

Motorcycles used by officials, employees, or other individuals engaged in election duties may operate with Election Commission approval. Considering telecommunication services as essential services, vehicles operated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and its licensed entities are also exempt.

Additionally, necessary measures may be taken to relax restrictions on national highways, ports, inter-district or metropolitan entry and exit routes, as well as connecting roads to major highways and important roads.

Moreover, district magistrates and metropolitan police commissioners have been authorized to impose or relax restrictions on other vehicles as deemed necessary during the specified timeframe for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum.

DBTech/DMI/EK/OR