BNP has urged the Election Commission to extend the deadline for voter registration for Bangladeshis living abroad, enabling them to cast their votes through postal voting.
During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at his office today, a party delegation led by standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan also proposed that Bangladeshis living abroad be allowed to register using either their passports or National ID cards.
Speaking to reporters, Nazrul said that in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the number of Bangladeshis is very high, with many residing in remote areas where registration is difficult.
"Therefore, on behalf of our party, we requested that in countries with large populations of Bangladeshis and transportation challenges, the registration period be extended," he said.
The EC assured BNP that even after the main schedule ends, those left out will be given a few additional days.
Nazrul said very few Bangladeshis living abroad have National ID (NID) cards.
"Therefore, we proposed that alongside NIDs, Bangladeshi passports be accepted as identification for inclusion in the voter list," he said.
He added that during the previous government, many people obtained passports illegally or through corruption, and even Rohingyas received them. "We do not want them to become voters," he said.
"That is why we suggested that photos of passports be sent to Bangladesh for verification, and only if they are found to be genuine should they be accepted for voter registration. And the commission assured us that they would consider the matter," Nazrul said.
For the first time, the EC has launched the "Postal Vote BD" app, marking a pioneering step to ensure the voting rights of Bangladeshis living abroad.
Bangladeshis living in about 140 countries will be able to cast their ballots in the upcoming polls.
The registration process, divided into seven regions, started on November 19 and will run until December 23, with each region allotted five days.
Bangladeshis living in East Asia, South America, and Africa must register between November 19 and 23; those in North America and Oceania between November 24 and 28; and in Europe from November 29 to December 3. Registration for the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) will take place from December 4 to 8, South and Southeast Asia from December 9 to 13, and the Middle East (excluding Saudi Arabia) from December 14 to 18.
After registration, voters will receive ballot papers bearing candidate symbols once nominations are finalised. These ballots must be filled out and returned to the returning officer within 16 to 28 days.