EC allows voter registration for expats using expired passports
A letter was dispatched today to the MoFA, as well as to ambassadors and high commissioners, to facilitate this process
The Election Commission (EC) has kept the provision of the submission of either valid or expired Bangladeshi passports, or foreign passports, as part of the required documents for the voter registration of Bangladeshi expatriates.
The EC also said that a certificate, completed in the designated format and signed by three Bangladeshi NID holders residing in the respective foreign country, confirming the applicant's Bangladeshi citizenship, will also be considered valid.
To facilitate this process, a letter signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, director (Registration and Expatriates) of the Election Commission's NID Wing, was dispatched today to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as to ambassadors and high commissioners.
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The circular titled "Voter Registration and National ID Issuance for Bangladeshi Expatriates," outlined the required documentation as follows:
Online filled application form-2 (Ka), while for the 56 Upazilas/thanas in Chattogram Division designated as "Special Area" by the commission, applicants falling under Category C, as specified in the circular for voters of these areas, must submit a "Special Information Form" containing additional details.
It will also require copy of valid Bangladeshi passport/expired Bangladeshi passport/foreign passport/attestation certificate by three Bangladeshi NID holders residing in the relevant country (in the designated form), while copy of Bangladeshi birth certificate (online verified), One copy of passport-size color photograph, copy of parents' NID/online Bangladeshi birth certificate/Bangladeshi death certificate (if deceased)/passport copy/succession certificate/citizenship certificate as a resident of Bangladesh/dual citizenship certificate (if applicable).
Moreover, copy of educational certificate (JSC/SSC/HSC/Equivalent) (if applicable), Driving license/TIN (if applicable), Nikahnama (marriage certificate) and spouse's NID (if applicable), applicant's citizenship certificate (by councillor, chairman/mayor/CEO/administrator) (if applicable), and copy of utility bill with address/holding tax receipt (if applicable).
It is to be noted that documents marked with an asterisk (*) must be submitted at the registration centre.
Other necessary documents may also be submitted at the registration centre. If that is not possible, a representative of the applicant residing in Bangladesh may submit the documents to the investigating officer or registration officer (concerned Upazila/thana election officer).
Additionally, based on the information provided in "Form-2 Ka" designated for expatriates, an on-site investigation report by the concerned Upazila/thana election officer of the relevant voter area will be mandatory.
All concerned are requested to take the necessary actions in accordance with this circular.
