Year
2025
Reform Domain
Sub Domain
Postal Voting System for Expatriates
Source of Reform Proposals
Electoral Reform Commission
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
এই সংস্কার প্রস্তাবটি নির্বাচন ব্যবস্থা সংস্কার কমিশনের প্রতিবেদনে উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে কিন্তু এখনও আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে এটি শুরু করা হয়নি।
Reform Initiated
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
The Election Commission has announced that, in the forthcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, expatriate Bangladeshis, persons engaged in election duties, and government employees residing outside their voter areas, and voters in legal custody, will be able to cast their votes through information-technology–supported postal ballots.
Legal and Policy Framework
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
EC will develop detailed instructions for IT-supported postal ballots registration.
Operationalisation
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
The online postal voting platform, i.e., the "Voter App", was rolled out on 18 November 2025.
Observation
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The ICT-based postal voting application has been successfully launched for both Android and iOS platforms, which includes user registration and verification. However, it is noteworthy that several sub-recommendations from the reform proposal were not fully followed.The proposal recommended that ballot packages be dispatched in bulk to Bangladeshi consulates, which would subsequently distribute them to voters. However, the Election Commission has opted to send the packages directly to voters on an individual basis.The proposal recommends the utilization of an international courier service to guarantee reliable and trackable delivery. However, for the distribution and return of postal packages, the Bangladesh Postal Service will be employed.According to the Electoral Commission officials, an information technology (IT) firm has been engaged to ensure the data security of the application. The Electoral Commission is coordinating efforts with this firm. Additionally, training sessions have been organised for individuals involved in the Postal Voting process.The registration period will remain open until December 25th. Voters from 148 countries, regardless of whether they have access to a Bangladesh consulate, may register via the application by specifying their current location. A package containing postal voting equipment will be dispatched to their respective addresses. The Postal Department and the Civil Aviation Authority will collaborate in this process.A ballot tracking system will be implemented, enabling both voters and returning offices to monitor the status of each ballot. A formal agreement has been established between the Postal Department and the Election Commission.Article 27 of the revised Representation of the People Ordinance (RPO) permits individuals in government service who are stationed outside their registered constituencies, those detained in any prison or lawful custody within Bangladesh, and individuals engaged in election duties outside their registered constituencies to exercise their right to vote via Postal Voting. However, Bangladesh currently lacks the requisite capacity to facilitate postal voting effectively.
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