Ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and associated referendum scheduled for 12 February, the Election Commission (EC) has imposed stringent traffic restrictions across the country. The measures aim to ensure a smooth, secure, and orderly voting process, regulating the movement of various vehicles on the day of polling, as well as the day before and after.
According to the EC, from midnight on 10 February until midnight on 13 February, the use of motorcycles will be completely prohibited. Exceptions have been made for law enforcement personnel, emergency services, medical professionals, newspaper distribution, accredited journalists and observers, airport-bound passengers, election officials, and other individuals specifically authorised by the EC.
Further restrictions are in place for taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks. From midnight on 11 February until midnight on 12 February, these vehicles will not be allowed to operate. However, public transport services—including city buses, metro trains, and other special services—will continue to operate without limitations.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has confirmed that metro rail services will run according to the normal schedule on election day. Additional trains will be deployed as required to facilitate voters’ travel to polling stations.
Railway authorities have also announced that the weekly off-day for the Dhaka–Rajshahi Padma Express has been cancelled. All trains will operate according to their regular schedules on polling day. While intercity buses usually operate as usual, most long-distance services are expected to remain suspended on 12 February. Ramesh Chandra Ghosh, chairman of the Bangladesh Bus–Truck Owners Association, noted that buses will operate on 11 February, but only limited services are likely to resume later in the evening following the conclusion of voting.
District magistrates, metropolitan police commissioners, and other relevant authorities retain discretionary powers to impose additional restrictions or relax existing measures, depending on local conditions.
The table below summarises the election-related traffic restrictions:
| Date & Time | Restricted Vehicles | Exceptions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb, 12:00 AM – 13 Feb, 12:00 AM | Motorcycles | Emergency services, medical, journalists, election officials | District authorities may relax restrictions |
| 11 Feb, 12:00 AM – 12 Feb, 12:00 AM | Taxis, pickups, microbuses, trucks | Public transport, metro trains | Additional metro trains to facilitate voter travel |
| 12 Feb | Most long-distance buses limited, metro trains normal | Padma Express weekly off-day cancelled | Rail services operate normally on election day |
Through these measures, the EC seeks to guarantee safe passage for voters, prevent traffic congestion, and maintain a conducive environment for free and fair elections.