Persons with disabilities to exercise voting rights in upcoming election: EC Sanaullah
But family and societal support is also essential, he says
Persons with disabilities will be able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said today (31 August).
"For an inclusive election, participation of all communities is as important as creating a supportive environment for them," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a consultation at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The consultation, titled "National Consultation on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process", was organised by the Election Commission (EC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sightsavers.
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Despite over three million registered voters with disabilities, only about 10% are estimated to have cast their vote in previous elections.
The consultation brought together policymakers, election officials, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society, and development partners to discuss practical solutions.
These include barrier-free polling centres, priority queues, trained security personnel, accessible information formats, and active engagement of OPDs in election monitoring.
Sanaullah said, "The Election Commission (EC) is working to ensure a proper environment for elderly voters and those with disabilities, but family and societal support is also essential, as polling centre arrangements alone are insufficient if voters do not come.
"Today's discussion comes from the July 36 initiative. Earlier, the participation of people with special needs in elections was not a priority. Now, it has come to the forefront, and we are able to discuss it. Practical steps will be taken to ensure that persons with disabilities can vote, and if needed, support staff will be assigned to assist them."
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, "Every polling station must be accessible because the right to vote cannot be realised if physical barriers stand in the way.
"Through our Ballot and Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation in Bangladesh projects, we are supporting measures to strengthen participatory governance, transparency, and inclusiveness; build the capacity of election officials; and ensure that voter education reaches all citizens in accessible formats."
Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of EC, added, "Accessibility is not only a matter of rights but of effective governance. We are committed to making polling centres more accessible and ensuring a smooth voting experience for persons with disabilities."
Later, at a press conference, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said, "A visually impaired person can go to vote with the help of an assistant.
A programme was held this (yesterday) morning where some proposals were made. We are working on this issue, and once we receive concrete proposals, we will work on them further. In the end, we will be able to inform you."
