The Election Commission (EC) has introduced the Postal Vote BD app today, allowing Bangladeshi expatriates to participate in the upcoming 13th national election slated for February. The app enables Bangladeshis residing in 140 countries to enroll as postal voters, receive specially marked ballot papers, and submit their votes by mail. This inclusive system accommodates election officials, government employees stationed away from their voting districts, and individuals in legal confinement.
During the launch event at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that approximately 13 million Bangladeshis living overseas, who were previously disenfranchised, can now exercise their voting rights. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed hailed the app as a groundbreaking advancement towards universal democracy, ensuring voting access for citizens domestically and internationally.
The registration period for expatriate Bangladeshis will span from November 19 to December 23, segmented into seven regional phases. Residents in East Asia, South America, and Africa can register from November 19 to 23, while those in North America and Oceania have the window between November 24 and 28. European expatriates can register from November 29 to December 3, and individuals in the Middle East from December 4 to 8. South and Southeast Asian residents have their registration slot from December 9 to 13, and those in the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia, can register from December 14 to 18. Government officials, election personnel, and confined individuals can register between December 19 and 23.
Addressing potential challenges, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah highlighted issues such as low global expatriate registration rates (2.7%), ballot wastage (24%), and cybersecurity risks. He assured stakeholders that stringent measures would be implemented to uphold the credibility of the process. Brig Gen (retd) Saleem Ahmad Khan, overseeing the Out-of-Country Voting Project, confirmed that ballots would be dispatched promptly upon schedule disclosure, enabling voters to review candidates via the app and return their ballots within the stipulated timeframe.
The voting process entails five steps: downloading the app, completing registration with mobile verification, NID and passport uploads, and address verification, receiving ballots by mail, casting votes, and returning the ballots. Voters will receive three envelopes for the process, including marking their choices, signing a declaration, and submitting the envelope at the nearest post office.