Over 51,000 expatriates register as Bangladesh launches global postal voting
The highest number of registrations came from the United States, with 10,335 voters, followed by South Korea with 8,889, Japan with 6,158, Canada with 5,865, Australia with 4,755, South Africa with 4,183 and China with 1,651
Over 51,000 Bangladeshis living abroad have registered to vote through a postal ballot system as the country, for the first time, opens overseas voting ahead of the 13th national election and the upcoming referendum.
According to the latest update on the Election Commission (EC) website, a total of 51,533 expatriates had completed registration through the 'Postal Vote BD' app as of 10am today (27 November). Of them, 43,646 are men and 7,887 are women.
The highest number of registrations came from the United States, with 10,335 voters, followed by South Korea with 8,889, Japan with 6,158, Canada with 5,865, Australia with 4,755, South Africa with 4,183 and China with 1,651.
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The EC has now opened the app-based registration facility to Bangladeshis living in any country.
In a statement issued last night, the commission said the registration window would remain open worldwide from 12:01am Bangladesh time on 27 November until 11:59pm on 18 December.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that when the app was introduced on 18 November, expatriates were placed into eight regions and each was given a five-day registration slot.
However, the restrictions have now been withdrawn for their convenience, he added.
Expatriates can register from anywhere in the world at any time during the announced period, he said, noting that the previous five-day limitation no longer applies.
He added the inclusion of overseas Bangladeshis in the voting process is a significant milestone in the country's electoral history.
