The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has imposed an 82.5-hour restriction on individuals staying outside their home areas in connection with the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the national referendum. The directive, issued on Monday by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam, was sent to all district commissioners, superintendents of police, and police commissioners across the country to ensure fair and neutral elections.

According to the instruction, only persons directly involved in election activities, those authorized by the EC, and residents or voters of the concerned constituencies will be allowed to remain in the election areas. The restriction will be effective from 7:00 a.m. on February 10 until 4:30 p.m. on February 13, covering the period from 48 hours before the start of voting to 24 hours after its completion.

The EC stated that the measure aims to maintain a peaceful, impartial, and influence-free environment during the election and referendum process.