More Than 47,000 Chattogram Expatriates Register for Postal Voting

Interest among Bangladeshi expatriates from Chattogram in participating in the democratic process through postal voting has surged significantly ahead of the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election and Referendum. According to the latest data released by the Election Commission (EC), a total of 47,347 expatriate voters from 16 parliamentary constituencies in Chattogram have successfully completed their registration to cast votes via postal ballots.

Election Commission officials confirmed that registrations were completed through the EC’s dedicated digital platform, the ‘Postal Vote BD’ mobile application, by 1:00 pm on Sunday, 21 December, from expatriates residing in various countries across the globe. Of the total registered voters, 44,786 are men, while 2,560 are women, highlighting a noticeable gender imbalance in overseas voter participation.

Following initial scrutiny, the Election Commission has already approved 38,769 applications, while 8,578 applications remain under verification. EC sources stated that the verification process is ongoing and assured that all applications supported by accurate documentation and valid information would be approved promptly.

Officials believe the growing response reflects increasing confidence among expatriates in the postal voting mechanism, which has been introduced to ensure that Bangladeshi citizens living abroad are not excluded from national political participation. For many expatriates, this initiative represents a long-awaited opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights despite geographical barriers.

Constituency-Wise Registration Trends :

According to EC statistics, Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) has recorded the highest number of registered postal voters, with 8,080 expatriates signing up for postal ballots. Of these, 7,936 are male voters and 144 are female voters. The constituency is followed by Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari), where 4,090 expatriates have registered, and Chattogram-5 (Hathazari and parts of the city), which ranks third with 3,503 registrations.

Other constituencies, including Mirsharai, Banshkhali, Rangunia, Khulshi–Halishahar, Chandgaon–Boalkhali, Sandwip, Chandanaiish–Satkania (partial), and Sitakunda, have also recorded substantial numbers, reflecting broad-based participation across the district. In contrast, Chattogram-13 (Karnaphuli–Anwara) has the lowest number of registered postal voters, with 1,267 applications to date.

Registration Deadline and Process :

Under Election Commission guidelines, expatriate voters may continue to register through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app until 25 December. To be eligible, voters must use an active mobile phone number from the country in which they intend to vote. Registration requires downloading the app from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, followed by submitting personal details and uploading the necessary supporting documents.

Election officials have described the postal voting initiative as a milestone in expanding democratic inclusion, noting that it strengthens the connection between expatriate citizens and national governance.

Postal Voter Registration in Chattogram (Selected Constituencies)