Public gatherings banned for 96 hrs in Dhaka during election period

A 96-hour ban has been imposed on all types of public meetings, processions, and rallies both before and after polling in 13 specific parliamentary constituencies of the Dhaka metropolis, on the occasion of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the public referendum.

This information was disclosed in a public notice signed by Dhaka’s Divisional Commissioner and Returning Officer, Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury.

Citing the authority under Section 78 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, the notice stated that no person shall convene, attend, or organise any public meeting, function, procession, or rally in the respective electoral area for 48 hours preceding the commencement of polling and 48 hours following its conclusion.

It further stated that this prohibition will remain in effect from 7:30 AM on February 10 until 4:30 PM on February 14.

The public notice mentioned that during this period, no person shall engage in any kind of aggressive action or disorderly conduct within the electoral area. Moreover, no one shall issue threats or intimidate voters or persons engaged in election duties. At the same time, the display of weapons or force has been completely prohibited.

The notice warned that any person violating these provisions shall be punished under the Representation of the People Order with a minimum of two years and a maximum of seven years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine. This ban will apply to parliamentary constituencies from Dhaka-4 to Dhaka-12, Dhaka-14, and Dhaka-16 to Dhaka-18.