Expatriate voter registration in Postal Vote BD app crosses 70,000

PNN News Desk, Dhaka:

Voter registration for expatriate Bangladeshis is rising rapidly in the newly launched ‘Postal Vote BD’ app. As of Friday 11:30 am, a total of 70,660 expatriate voters have registered, including 59,510 men and 11,150 women, according to the Election Commission (EC).

The scheme allows overseas Bangladeshis to vote by mail for the 13th parliamentary election and referendum. EC data shows the highest number of registrants are in the USA (14,236), followed by South Korea (9,075), Canada (7,087), Japan (6,452), Australia (6,027), and South Africa (4,480).

Registration had been temporarily suspended in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, due to incorrect or incomplete information. EC officials hope registration will resume in these countries shortly.

Registrants must provide accurate addresses for ballot delivery. The registration period runs until 11:59 pm on 18 December. Over 1 million voters under legal custody or government service can vote via in-country postal voting (ICPv). Registration requires downloading the app, selecting language, and uploading required documents.