The movement of motorcycles will be banned nationwide from 12:00am of February 10 (past Monday midnight) until 12:00am on February 13, as the Election Commission (EC) has imposed restrictions ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12.The EC issued a directive in this regard on January 27, enforcing the ban two days before the polls.Meanwhile, from 12:00am on February 11 to 12:00am on February 12, the movement of taxicabs, pickups, microbuses and trucks will also be prohibited. Launches and engine boats will remain suspended during the same period.The EC said the restrictions will be relaxed in certain emergency and special cases.Vehicles exempted from the restrictions include those belonging to law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and the administration; vehicles of accredited election observers and newspapers; emergency service vehicles carrying medicines or healthcare supplies; vehicles transporting passengers to and from airports subject to ticket verification; long-distance passenger buses; one vehicle for each candidate and their election agents with approval from the returning officer; and vehicles of BTRC and licensed telecommunications service providers.

The directive further noted that restrictions will be eased on national highways, ports and major roads entering or leaving districts or metropolitan areas.

Additionally, district magistrates or metropolitan police commissioners may impose or relax further restrictions depending on local circumstances and necessities.