Shajahan, Inu, Menon among 22 politicians to vote from jail via postal ballot

Former minister Shajahan Khan, Jasad President Hasanul Haq Inu, and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon are among 22 politicians who will cast their votes from prison through postal ballots.

All of them are currently incarcerated in various cases, including murder cases related to the July uprising and corruption charges.

This is the first time incarcerated prisoners are being allowed to vote using postal ballots.

Leaders from several parties, including the Awami League – which is currently banned from political activities – have taken advantage of this opportunity.

Prison authorities said around 6,000 inmates will vote in the upcoming election.

Voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on 12 February. According to Election Commission guidelines, 6,300 prisoners applied to vote by 5 January, of whom 5,960 applications were finalised. Among them are 22 politicians and 17 government and police officials.

Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Jannatul Farhad said, "Three envelopes will be provided. One will contain 'Yes' and 'No' ballots, and another will contain the candidate's symbol. After expressing their choice and signing, the voter will place the ballots in the envelope. These will then be placed in a larger envelope and submitted to us as a postal ballot. We will immediately send it to the election office."

There are around 84,000 inmates in 71 prisons across the country. The Inspector General of Prisons said many prisoners face complications related to their national identity cards (NIDs), while others are not interested in voting. As a result, only about 6,000 inmates applied to vote by postal ballot.

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain said, "Many prisoners have NID-related complications due to long periods of incarceration, which prevented them from enrolling despite their willingness. Others may not have applied because they expect to be released on bail."