Political Desk
Bangladesh Election Commission officials have confirmed that postal ballots have been dispatched to 677,233 registered expatriate voters residing in various countries worldwide ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and associated referendums. The process of distributing ballots is ongoing, with authorities aiming to complete deliveries by January 10.
Salim Ahmad Khan, Team Leader of the Out of Country Voting System and Implementation (OCV-SDI) project on expatriate voter registration, provided the update while speaking with the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). He outlined that the Election Commission (EC) is intensifying efforts to ensure that ballots reach overseas voters in time to participate in the national electoral process.
According to official data from the Election Commission, a total of 1,533,683 voters registered for postal voting through the “Postal Vote BD” mobile application developed for this election cycle. This figure includes both in-country voters who requested postal ballots and expatriates voting from abroad. The system was introduced as part of an expanded initiative to facilitate broader voter participation through mail-in ballots.
Of the total registrants, 761,141 voters are categorized as “in-country postal vote” registrants. These are voters residing within Bangladesh who, for various reasons such as illness, disability, or temporary absence from their designated polling stations, have applied to cast their ballots by post. Meanwhile, 772,542 registrants are expatriate voters spread across the globe who have sought to cast their votes from abroad.
The postal voting mechanism for expatriates represents a significant logistical and administrative undertaking for the Election Commission. Expatriate voting rights were extended to ensure that Bangladeshi citizens living overseas can exercise their franchise without needing to return home for the elections. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to engage the large diaspora community, which contributes substantially to the nation’s economy through remittances and plays an active role in national affairs.
Salim Ahmad Khan noted that the allocation of election symbols for candidates and political parties is scheduled for January 21, a critical step in finalizing the electoral process. He expressed optimism that the majority of postal ballots would be delivered to expatriate voters before the symbol allocation date, allowing sufficient time for voters to mark and return their ballots ahead of the election.
The 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, scheduled for January, is a pivotal event in Bangladesh’s democratic calendar. Postal voting for expatriates and eligible in-country voters forms part of a broader electoral framework managed by the Election Commission, which has been tasked with overseeing fair, transparent, and inclusive election procedures.
One procedural aspect emphasized by officials is the confidentiality and integrity of the postal ballots. Khan stressed that expatriate voters who receive postal ballots are responsible for maintaining the secrecy of their votes. He warned that any violation of ballot secrecy could lead to serious consequences, including the potential blocking of national identity cards (NIDs) for individuals found to compromise the confidentiality of their ballots. This provision underscores the legal and procedural safeguards that accompany postal voting to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
In addition to the broader figures, Election Commission sources reported that on a single distribution effort on a recent Tuesday evening, 41,464 postal ballots were dispatched to expatriate voters in diverse regions. Among these, the largest consignment, totaling 17,759 ballots, was sent to Bangladeshi voters residing in Singapore. The second-largest batch, comprising 12,000 ballots, was routed to Saudi Arabia, reflecting significant concentrations of Bangladeshi expatriate communities in these countries. Smaller consignments were distributed to voters in various other locations around the world.
The process of foreign dispatch requires coordinated efforts between the Election Commission and postal and courier services operating internationally. Ensuring timely delivery involves navigating cross-border logistics, customs regulations, and differing postal service efficiencies. The EC’s outreach and tracking mechanisms aim to monitor the progress of ballot deliveries and provide support where delays or challenges arise.
Postal voting is permitted under Bangladesh’s electoral regulations for specific categories of voters who are unable to cast their ballots at designated polling stations on election day. The extension of this provision to expatriates is relatively recent and reflects evolving approaches to enfranchising citizens regardless of their geographic location. Previously, many overseas voters faced barriers to participation due to the logistical and financial constraints of returning to Bangladesh solely for voting purposes.
Election observers and analysts have noted that successful implementation of postal voting could set a precedent for future electoral cycles, potentially increasing voter turnout and engagement among overseas Bangladeshis. The effectiveness of the current system will likely influence discussions about electoral reforms and the integration of diaspora voting into the country’s democratic processes.
As the deadline for distributing the remaining postal ballots approaches, the Election Commission is expected to issue further updates on delivery progress and return rates. Registered expatriate voters are advised to follow the instructions provided with their postal ballots and adhere to prescribed timelines to ensure their votes are counted in the national election.
The 13th Jatiya Sangsad election represents not only a domestic political milestone but also an opportunity to assess the operational capacity of new voting mechanisms designed to uphold democratic participation across borders.