In industrial areas, workers and employees will also enjoy three straight days off, as 10 February has been declared a general holiday alongside the weekend.

Against this backdrop, questions have emerged over whether the extended holiday period could affect voter turnout, and whether electoral laws impose any restrictions on citizens’ movement or travel during this time.

Several election analysts believe the prolonged break may influence voter participation, as people may choose to use the holidays for personal travel or leisure.

“People might take advantage of the holidays for their own purposes,” said former Election Commission official Jasmine Tully.

This has led to broader discussion on whether citizens are legally permitted to travel during the election holidays and what obligations, if any, the law places on voters.

Election experts point out that while voting is a fundamental civic right, it is not mandatory under Bangladesh’s electoral laws. Voters are legally free to decide whether or not to cast their ballots.

“You can encourage people to vote—that’s all,” Tully told BBC Bangla. “But no one can force a citizen to vote.”

Under current laws, there are no restrictions preventing individuals from traveling during election holidays, analysts say, provided no specific prohibitory orders are in place for security or electoral reasons.