How Expatriates Will Cast Their Votes in the 13th National Elections

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 15th September 2025, 8:13 AM

How Expatriates Will Cast Their Votes in the 13th National Elections

For the first time in history, Bangladeshi expatriates will be able to cast their votes in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. They will exercise this right through a postal voting system, which requires online registration and submission of an application form.

The announcement was made on Sunday (14 September) at a discussion meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar elaborated on the voting procedure.

Step-by-Step Voting Procedure for Expatriates

Step	Details
1. Online Registration	Expatriates must register online through a dedicated mobile application.
2. Application Submission	Along with registration, an application form must be submitted.
3. Receiving Ballot Papers	The Election Commission will send the ballot paper and a return envelope to the applicant’s registered address via post.
4. Casting the Vote	After filling in the ballot, the voter must place it in the designated envelope.
5. Returning the Ballot	The sealed envelope must be sent back via post, which will directly reach the respective Returning Officer.

The meeting was presided over by Acting High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monika, with participation from Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia.

At the end of the session, Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar also distributed National Identity Smart Cards among the expatriates.

Key Highlights of the Postal Voting System

Aspect	Information
Eligibility	Bangladeshi expatriates living abroad
Voting Method	Postal ballot
Registration Medium	Mobile application (online)
Supervising Authority	Election Commission of Bangladesh
Ballot Return	Directly to the concerned Returning Officer

This initiative marks a historic inclusion of expatriates in Bangladesh’s democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard even while living abroad.