Dhaka – For the first time, over 300,000 Bangladeshi expatriates have registered to vote through postal ballot service in the upcoming parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) announced on Thursday.
As of Thursday morning, a total of 307,577 overseas Bangladeshis had successfully enrolled using the “Postal Vote BD” app. Of these, 284,349 are men and 23,228 are women, according to updated EC figures.
The EC is scheduled to announce the official election and referendum schedule later Thursday, with polls expected in the first half of February.
Officials hailed the turnout as a significant step toward broadening democratic participation and ensuring inclusivity for millions of Bangladeshis living abroad.
Top Countries for Registrations:
- Saudi Arabia: 84,600
- Qatar: 25,257
- United States: 20,755
- United Arab Emirates: 19,852
- Malaysia: 18,156
- Singapore: 15,294
- United Kingdom: 13,663
- Oman: 12,625
Other countries with notable registrations include Italy, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Kuwait, and Japan.
Registration Deadlines and Details
The EC has extended the registration deadline for overseas voters through the app until midnight on December 25. “Now, any adult Bangladeshi can register to vote by downloading the app from anywhere in the world,” said EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Separately, government officials assigned to electoral duties outside their home constituencies, as well as voters in legal custody, can also register via the app from the schedule announcement date until December 25.
Address Correction Window
The commission has granted an extension until 9:00 a.m. on December 14 for voters in seven countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Malaysia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—to correct their addresses on the app. Voters from other countries no longer have this opportunity.
The EC has strongly advised all applicants to provide a complete and accurate address based on the rules of their host country, suggesting a workplace or known person’s address if necessary. “Postal ballot papers will not be sent to voters without a correct and complete address,” the EC said.
The “Postal Vote BD” app was launched by Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin on November 18, opening registration for expatriates in 148 specified countries. To be eligible, overseas voters must use a mobile number registered in the country where they reside.
