EC imposes 82-hr restriction on leaving constituencies

The Election Commission (EC) has barred individuals from leaving their constituencies for 81 and a half hours ahead of the upcoming referendum and 13th national parliament election to ensure a free, fair and peaceful voting process.

EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam sent directives to all district commissioners, police superintendents, and police commissioners across the country to implement the restriction on Monday.

According to the directive, except for election officials, authorised personnel and residents or voters of the concerned constituencies, no one is allowed to be outside their constituency from 7:00 AM on February 10 until 4:30 PM on February 13, covering 48 hours before polling begins and 24 hours after voting ends.

The referendum and national parliament election are scheduled to be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The EC said the measure is intended to ensure that the electoral process is conducted without undue influence and in a neutral, peaceful environment.

NSA