KMP announces vehicle restrictions ahead of nat’l polls in Khulna

Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) has issued strict directives on vehicle movement in Khulna city ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, aiming to ensure a peaceful, free and fair voting process.

Under the new guidelines, taxis, pickup vans, microbuses and trucks will be banned from operating within the metropolitan area from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12, the official polling day.

Motorcycles will face an extended restriction, with movement prohibited from midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13.

Exemptions apply for essential and official services. Vehicles operated by law enforcement agencies, armed forces, administration, authorised election observers, and those carrying medicines, health-related supplies, newspapers, or other critical goods will be allowed.

Airport transfers for passengers will also be permitted upon presentation of valid tickets or documents. Long-distance passenger transport and vehicles facilitating local travel for long-distance passengers are also exempted.

Each election candidate may operate one small vehicle, while each authorised election agent is permitted one vehicle, subject to approval from the Returning Officer and display of official stickers.

Vehicles used by journalists, election observers or for emergency purposes will be allowed with prior approval from the Election Commission or Returning Officer. Motorcycles operated by election officials may also be permitted with prior authorisation.

Additionally, vehicles of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)-licensed telecom providers are exempted to maintain uninterrupted communication services during the elections.

KMP Commissioner Mohammad Jahidul Hasan confirmed the information through a press release.

SMS/AM