Ballot Beyond Borders

Expatriate Bangladeshis will now have the opportunity to cast their votes from anywhere in the world with the support of modern technology, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin has announced. He described this as a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey.

In a video message released on the official YouTube channel of the Election Commission on Tuesday night, September 30, the CEC said: “To vote from abroad, you must register for out-of-country voting. For this purpose, we will soon launch a mobile app called ‘Postal Vote BD.’ You will need to download this app on your mobile phone. After downloading, there will be an instructional video guiding you step by step on what needs to be done.”

He added: “While registering on the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, you will need your passport details and your overseas address. You will also have to complete face identification and liveness detection through the app. Once your registration is complete, a ballot paper will be sent to your overseas address along with a return envelope.”

Explaining the process further, Nasir Uddin said: “After casting your vote, you will simply post the envelope at the local post office. It will reach the designated address provided by us. If you are a Bangladeshi citizen living abroad and wish to vote, you must take advantage of this registration opportunity. We hope all our expatriate brothers and sisters will utilize this chance.”

He also mentioned: “Detailed information regarding voting will be available in the instructional video on the Postal BD app, in our embassies or consulates, on our website, and through our state-run media outlets.”