The Election Commission of Bangladesh has declared all polling centers across the country as smoke-free zones ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election. The directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam from the Election Management and Coordination-1 branch, was issued on Friday. It states that no one, including voters, candidates, election officials, or law enforcement personnel, will be allowed to smoke inside polling centers during voting on February 12.

The commission instructed returning officers, presiding officers, and local administrations to take necessary measures to enforce the decision. Notices prohibiting smoking are to be displayed at entrances and key points of polling centers. Officials said the move aims to ensure a healthy, comfortable, and disciplined environment for voters and to facilitate smoother election management.

According to the Election Commission, maintaining smoke-free polling centers will contribute to a safer and more orderly voting process nationwide.