DNCC by-polls: Restrictions on vehicle movement announced

A restriction on vehicle movement during the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) by-polls has been declared.

The Home Ministry declared this in a circular issued regarding the DNCC by-election on Monday.

Motorcycle transport will be banned in DNCC polling areas from Tuesday midnight (12am) to Friday at 6am.  Meanwhile, all vehicle traffic in the area—excluding emergency services—will be banned from Wednesday midnight (12am) to Thursday 12am.

Vehicles affected by the ban during the by-election are: motorcycles, trucks, motorized three-wheelers, taxis, microbuses, jeeps, pickups and cars. Water vessels moving through the area will also fall under the vehicle ban.

The circular directed the district magistrate to take the necessary steps to enforce the vehicle ban.

However, the restriction on vehicle traffic will be loosely implemented on important roads, streets and highways leading into and out of Dhaka, and at inter-district bus terminals.

The circular also directed those not residents or voters in the DNCC to leave the area by Tuesday midnight (12am), to ensure a peaceful by-election, and to avoid facing legal action on voting day.

The mayoral by-polls in Dhaka North City Corporation and election in 18 new wards is scheduled to be held on February 28. The election for councillor posts in 18 wards will also be held in Dhaka South City Corporation.