TDS Desk:
The Election Commission (EC) has banned the movement of motorcycles for 3 days in 150 upazilas of the country on the occasion of the first phase of the sixth upazila parishad (UP) elections. The Road Transport and Highways Division has already issued a notification under the direction of the agency. The notification signed by Md. Jasim Uddin, assistant secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, has been sent to all concerned on Sunday.
It is said in the notification that the general election of the first phase of the sixth upazila parishad will be held on May 8. According to Section 32 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, the movement of taxi cabs, pickups, microbuses and trucks will be banned from midnight on the day before the polling day, i.e., May 7 to 12 midnight on May 8. Besides, there will be ban on motorcycle movement from May 6 at 12 pm to May 9 at 12 pm.
It is also said that the relevant authorities can impose restrictions on the movement of any vehicle apart from the mentioned vehicles in view of the reality and local consideration, if necessary to maintain law and order, relieve traffic congestion etc. in the electoral area. This restriction is relaxable in case of contesting candidates or their election agents, local or foreign observers (must have identity card) with the permission of the Returning Officer.
Domestic or foreign journalists engaged in the work of collecting election news (must have identity card), officials-employees engaged in election work, members of the law and order, legitimate election inspectors and some vehicles used for emergency purposes (ambulance including fire service, electricity, gas, postal, telecommunication vehicles) – this ban will not apply in this case.
The relevant authorities can relax such restrictions for national highways, ports and other urgent needs including the supply of essential goods. The respective Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to impose restrictions on vehicular movement as per the schedule.