JS polls: Motorcycles off for 3 days, internet to remain on

• Motorcycle ban will be in effect on 5-8 January
• Vehicle stickers issued by EC required for all authorised users on election day
• Carrying and displaying firearms banned till 9 January
• Telephone, fax, and Internet connectivity will remain uninterrupted
• Meetings, election campaigns and processions banned on 5-9 January

The Ministry of Home Affairs has imposed a three-day ban on motorcycle movements nationwide during the 7 January general elections. The ban will be in effect from 12am 5 January to 12am 8 January.

To conduct the polls in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, the ministry also imposed a ban on carrying and displaying firearms till 9 January. Violations of the order would result in legal action.

The home ministry has taken a flurry of initiatives ahead of the JS polls and issued separate circulars on Thursday.

To ensure rapid transmission of voting results on election day, all relevant authorities have been directed to maintain uninterrupted telephone, fax, and Internet connectivity.

All kinds of public meetings, election campaigns and processions from 5 January to 9 January have been banned to keep the atmosphere peaceful during elections.

In addition to motorcycles, a ban will also be imposed on the movement of taxicabs, microbuses, pickups, trucks, launches, engine-driven boats (except those operating on specific routes) and other vehicles in the election areas from 12am on 6 January to 12am on 7 January.

Vehicle stickers issued by the Election Commission are required for all authorised users on election day, including candidates, law enforcement, administration, military, election observers, and polling agents.

However, vehicle restrictions shall not apply to national highways.

The home ministry circular also states that the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Ministry of Shipping can issue further circulars to impose restrictions on vehicles or withdraw restrictions in cases by empowering the district magistrates or metropolitan police commissioners.

The circular further stresses the appointment of impartial officials to polling stations while requiring Returning Officers to prioritise the transportation and security arrangements for members of the Electoral Inquiry Committee.

Following ballot casting and counting, presiding officers will promptly transfer vote-counting statements and associated documents from polling stations to assigned assistant returning officers, with the assistance of law enforcement, said the circular.

To reach 72 remote upazilas (sub-districts) across 25 districts, authorities will utilise helicopters for efficient election-related communication.

Armed forces' roles defined during polls

The home ministry, in the circular, outlined the specific duties of the armed forces during their deployment from 29 December to 10 January to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order during the elections.

According to the circular, the armed forces will be deployed in upazilas or stations as necessary in consultation with the returning officers. They will assist other law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.

Members of the armed forces will be stationed at nodal points (where different transport links come together) in each district, upazila or metropolitan area and other convenient locations.

They will conduct patrols and other operational activities in coordination with the returning officers, as needed. 

The armed forces will perform duties to maintain peace and order inside polling stations or counting centres as requested by the returning officer or presiding officer, the circular reads.

Executive magistrates will also be appointed to work with the teams of armed forces.

The Navy will perform duties as necessary in coastal areas. Depending on the situation, they will ensure the security of important roads or highways as directed.

The number of armed forces personnel deployed in each district can be increased or decreased based on risk considerations and in consultation with the returning officers.

The Air Force will provide flight assistance with the necessary number of helicopters and transport planes as requested by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry, the Election Commission secretariat, and the other armed forces.

Area-based deployment plans will be finalised as per the instructions of the concerned returning officers. The returning officers and assistant returning officers will request the execution of other legally compliant activities as needed, based on reality and necessity.