Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday reaffirmed the Election Commission’s commitment to ensure the voting rights of expatriate Bangladeshis in the upcoming 13th national elections. An Election Commissioner hinted that the right would be ensured through a hybrid model.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with political parties and other stakeholders at the Election Commission, the CEC said, “We are committed to ensuring voting rights for expats in the upcoming polls. We are working on it. However, we cannot be successful without the support of the political parties.”
Although the CEC acknowledged the technical and logistical challenges involved, he maintained that the commission is determined to launch the process, even if only partially, in the upcoming national elections.
“We want at least to initiate the expatriate voting by the next election — even if it’s just the beginning,” he emphasised.
Nasir Uddin pointed out that while several countries have experimented with the expatriate voting process, the implementation remains complex. “Some countries have succeeded, others have not. Still, we must try,” he said.
Highlighting the persistent demand from the diaspora, he added, “Expatriates have consistently voiced the demand for voting rights. We see this echoed in the media, and political leaders are also vocal about it.”
“Even the Chief Adviser has made the same promise to the nation regarding expatriate voting rights,” the CEC said mentioning that the interim government’s top leadership is aligned with this effort as well.
Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah noted that a hybrid approach may be required to overcome technical hurdles.
“To facilitate voting for expatriates, a combination of multiple methods — that is, a hybrid system — will be necessary,” he said.