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The Election Commission (EC) has banned the movement of motorcycles for three days in 150 upazilas on the occasion of the first phase of the upcoming sixth upazila parishad elections. The Road Transport and Highways Department has issued a notification to stop motorcycles for three days after receiving EC's directive.
Yesterday, Sunday (May 5), Assistant Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Department. The notification signed by Jasim Uddin has been sent to all concerned.
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, there will be a ban on taxi cabs, pickups, microbuses and trucks from the midnight before the day scheduled for polling i.e. 12 midnight on May 7 to 12 midnight on May 8. Meanwhile, there will be a ban on motorcycle movement from May 6 midnight to May 9 midnight.
The notification further states that the relevant authorities can impose restrictions on the movement of any vehicles other than the mentioned vehicles in the electoral area, in order to maintain law and order, relieve traffic congestion etc. This restriction is relaxable in case of contesting candidates/their election agents, domestic/foreign observers (must have identity card) subject to the permission of the Returning Officer.
In addition, domestic/foreign journalists engaged in election news gathering (must have identity card), election officials, law enforcement officers, valid election inspectors and some emergency services such as ambulance, fire service, electricity, gas, post, telecommunications, etc. The said prohibition shall not apply to the movement of the said vehicles for use in the activities.
The relevant authorities can relax such restrictions for national highways, ports and other urgent needs including supply of essential goods. The District Commissioner concerned has been empowered to impose restrictions on the movement of vehicles as per the specified schedule.
Note that in the second phase, the election in 160 upazilas is on May 21. Polling will be held in the third phase in 112 upazilas on May 29 and in the fourth phase in 55 upazilas on June 6. In the first phase, 22, 24 in the second phase, 21 in the third phase and two upazilas in the fourth phase will be conducted by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
Bangladesh /OF
