Bangladesh will hold its 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum 2026 on 12 February.
Ahead of the vote, the Election Commission, the Home Ministry and the interim government have announced several rules and restrictions.
These measures will affect daily life for a few days before, during and after the election. Knowing these details in advance can help people plan better and avoid trouble.
Four-day public holiday
The government has declared four consecutive days of holiday due to the election. 11 February, the day before the vote and 12 February, election day, will be public holidays. 13 and 14 February fall on Friday and Saturday, making it a four-day break in total.
For workers and employees in industrial areas, 10 February will also be a general holiday. As a result, they will get one extra day off.
Restrictions on vehicle movement
On 1st February, the government issued a gazette imposing restrictions on vehicle movement across the country for the election and referendum. The Road Transport and Highways Division provided detailed instructions.
According to the gazette, no vehicle will be allowed to operate on election day without permission from the Election Commission.
Motorcycle movement will be banned from midnight on 10 February to midnight on 13 February.
From midnight on 11 February until midnight on election day, the movement of pickup vans, microbuses, trucks and launches will also be restricted.
However, vehicles used by journalists, election observers or for emergency purposes will be allowed to operate with proper permission.
Special arrangements for passengers
The gazette mentions special facilities for passengers traveling abroad or returning from abroad. There will be no restriction on travel to and from airports if passengers show their passport, ticket and other necessary documents. Long-distance public transport and essential local travel will also be allowed with some flexibility.
Metro rail services
Metro rail services will run as usual on election day. To help voters travel easily, the number of trains will be increased.
This information was shared in a press release signed by AKM Khairul Alam, Director (Administration) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), on 8 February.
Shops, banks, and financial services
All shops, markets and shopping malls across the country, including Dhaka, will remain closed on 11 and 12 February.
The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association announced this decision in a press release on 7 February.
All scheduled banks will also remain closed on 11 and 12 February.
Bangladesh Bank confirmed this in a circular issued on 1 February.
In addition, Bangladesh Bank announced limits on mobile financial services. From midnight on 9 February to midnight on 12 February, users of bKash, Nagad and Rocket will be able to make a maximum of Tk 1,000 per day in person-to-person (P2P) transactions.
For P2P transactions, the daily limit will be Tk 1,000 and up to 10 transactions. However, merchant payments and utility bill payments will continue as usual under existing rules.
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