Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, Akhtar Ahmed, has announced that people whose National IDs (NID) are locked will be unable to vote in the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election.
He made the remark during a briefing with journalists on Wednesday.
In February this year, under the instructions of Director General of the NID branch of the Election Commission ASM Humayun Kabir, the NID of Sheikh Hasina and ten family members have been locked. The individuals affected include Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sayma Wazed, Shaheen Siddique, Bushra Siddique, Tulip Rizwana Siddique, Azmina Siddique, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and Tariq Ahmed Siddique.
When asked whether Sheikh Hasina would be able to vote, Akhtar Ahmed replied, “Her NID is locked. Those whose NID is locked will not be able to vote.” However, he added that those who are living abroad for legal reasons or other circumstances, and whose NID is unlocked, would still be able to vote.
He also clarified, “To vote online from abroad, registration will be required with an NID number, not a passport. Those with a locked NID will not be able to register online.” He emphasised that only those who register with their NID numbers will have access to online voting.
The EC secretary stated that both in-country and overseas voting will be available for the upcoming parliamentary election. “Those living abroad will be able to register online. A system is being developed for this purpose,” he added.
Following the August 5, 2024 mass uprising, former PM Sheikh Hasina and several of her party’s leaders fled to India, with many top leaders currently residing in various countries.
Meanwhile, the government has imposed restrictions on the party’s activities. Despite this, their voting rights remain intact, but those with a locked NID will not be able to cast their vote. The exact number of leaders whose NIDs have been locked has yet to be confirmed.
