Writ seeks HC directives to ensure voting of 3.25cr govt beneficiaries in upcoming polls
Supreme Court lawyer Dr Bashir Ahmed submitted the writ on Wednesday (3 January).
A writ has been filed in the High Court (HC) seeking directives to ensure presence of 3.25 crore government beneficiaries in the polling stations during the national polls slated on 7 January.
Supreme Court lawyer Dr Bashir Ahmed submitted the writ on Wednesday (3 January).
The High Court bench, led by Justice Md Iqbal Kabir, scheduled the hearing on 10 January.
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Lawyer Bashir Ahmed told reporters that several Commonwealth nations enforce compulsory voting for their citizens, a regular practice in two US states also.
"As a Commonwealth country, Bangladesh should consider making voting obligatory for eligible citizens benefiting from the government. I have filed the writ petition for this reason," he said.
He further highlighted that the direct beneficiaries of the government stands at 2.75 crore voters. Including semi-government beneficiaries and retired government employees, the total reaches 3.25 crores.
"I have sought directives to ensure the active participation of these voters at the polling stations," he added.
