BNP urges EC to include expatriates in voter list using passports
"We proposed that Bangladeshi passports be accepted as valid identity documents for voter enrolment abroad,” said BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.
The BNP today (25 November) urged the Election Commission (EC) to allow Bangladeshi expatriates to be enrolled in the voter list using their passports, arguing that many overseas Bangladeshis still lack NIDs due to practical constraints.
Following a BNP delegation's meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin in the capital's Agargaon this afternoon (25 November), the party's Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that Bangladeshi communities in several countries face difficulties registering as voters because many live in remote regions far from Bangladeshi missions.
He stressed that a significant number of expatriates do not possess NIDs. "For practical reasons many have been unable to obtain NIDs, and new NID enrolment has not been introduced in all countries. Therefore we proposed that Bangladeshi passports be accepted as valid identity documents for voter enrolment abroad," he said.
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Nazrul said the commission had sought BNP's cooperation and reminded all parties to comply with the electoral code of conduct.
"We told the CEC that we will cooperate. We want a free and fair election. Our acting chairman has also instructed the party to encourage expatriates to register, as their participation is vital for strengthening democracy," he added.
Asked about the interim government's finalisation of postings for superintendents of police (SPs) for the upcoming 13th national election, Nazrul said, "A particular party had demanded that these postings be decided through a lottery system. I think this method does not ensure that the right person is placed in the right role. If the party wishes, it will issue an official statement on this."
The BNP delegation also included Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairperson's Adviser Ismail Jabiuallah, and former EC additional secretary Mohammad Zakaria.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) held a separate meeting with Election Commissioner Abdur Rahim Masud this afternoon.
The delegation, led by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary along with Joint Convenor Khaled Saifullah and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam, left without speaking to the media.
