A discussion on the voting rights of Bangladeshi expatriates and a National Identity (Smart) Card distribution programme was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday.
The event took place at G Tower where Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar attended as the chief guest. He also handed over NID smart cards to expatriates on the occasion.
The meeting was chaired by Acting High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monika.
In his speech, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam paid deep homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 Mass Uprising at the beginning of his address.
He said the current Election Commission is highly sincere about ensuring voting rights for expatriates.
“For the first time, non-resident Bangladeshis will be able to cast their votes in the national election, and the Election Commission has been working relentlessly to make this a reality,” he said.
Explaining the procedure, he mentioned that the EC has planned to introduce ICT-assisted postal voting for expatriates. They will be able to apply and register online as voters through a mobile application.
Ballot papers and return envelopes will then be sent by post to the addresses of registered expatriates. After casting their votes, expatriates will return the ballots through the designated envelopes, which will reach the respective returning officers. Voters will also be able to track their ballots online, he added.
Seeking cooperation from expatriates in this process, the election commissioner said the initiative aims to uphold their democratic rights and broaden electoral participation.
Acting High Commissioner Shahanara Monica thanked the Election Commissioner for creating the opportunity for expatriates to exercise their voting rights and for holding the discussion on the voting process. She assured that the High Commission would carry out awareness campaigns in line with the EC’s directives to facilitate expatriates’ participation in the voting process.
Later, the Election Commissioner distributed smart NID cards and responded to questions from expatriates and journalists.
Expatriate community representatives, professionals, members of socio-cultural organisations, students, journalists, and officials of the High Commission were present at the programme.