Despite nationwide restrictions on road traffic during the national parliamentary election and referendum, Dhaka’s metro rail services will continue to operate as usual, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has confirmed. Authorities have assured commuters that train services will remain uninterrupted to facilitate smooth travel on election day.
DMTCL Director AKM Khairul Alam stated, “To ensure convenient travel for Dhaka residents during the elections, similar to regular public holidays, the metro will operate according to its normal schedule. There will be no restrictions on train movement on election day. However, some station gates located near polling centres may remain closed, while all other gates will be open as usual.”
To guarantee uninterrupted service, DMTCL has cancelled all leave for officers and staff during the election period. This measure is intended to ensure that passengers can travel safely and on time.
Earlier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges issued a notification on 2 February outlining restrictions on vehicular movement during the elections. The notification specified the following:
| Vehicle Type | Restriction Period | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi, Pickup, Microbus, Truck | 12:00 AM, 11 Feb – 12:00 AM, 12 Feb | Restrictions may be relaxed for urgent travel |
| Motorcycle | 12:00 AM, 10 Feb – 12:00 AM, 13 Feb | 72-hour prohibition; exceptions for emergencies |
The notification also clarified that restrictions would be relaxed for vehicles engaged in essential services or election-related work, including health services, police, election commission staff, and other emergency operations.
For Dhaka commuters, the continuation of metro services is particularly welcome, as strict road traffic controls could otherwise hinder travel to polling stations. Metro services are expected to play a crucial role in managing passenger flow during peak hours, especially in the afternoon and evening.
DMTCL further announced that the metro timetable will remain unchanged on election day, with additional volunteers and security personnel deployed to ensure the safety and smooth travel of passengers. With these measures in place, metro commuters can expect a reliable and efficient journey to and from polling stations.