Published: 02:25 AM, 25 November 2025 Last Update: 02:33 AM, 25 November 2025
Thousands of Bangladeshi expats register for postal vote
More than 20,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered in the first five days to vote by post in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, according to Election Commission data. The registrations are being carried out through the newly launched "Postal Vote BD" app, which opened on Nov 19 for expatriates living in East Asia, South America and Africa. A second phase for voters in North America and Oceania began at midnight on Sunday.
In total, Bangladeshis in 71 countries across these regions are eligible to sign up.
Early data shows the strongest response from expatriates in South Korea, with nearly 8,000 registering so far. Japan, South Africa and China follow in the list of top participating countries, reports bdnews24.com.
By district of origin, the highest number of registered voters is from Dhaka, while by constituency the most registrations have come from Chapainawabganj-3.
Country-wise data shows the highest number of registrations came from:
South Korea: 7,990, Japan: 5,031, South Africa: 3,180, China: 1,408
The first phase of registration, originally due to end on Sunday night, has been extended to Nov 28.
Only those who complete registration will be allowed to cast ballots by post in both the general election and the referendum.
Retired Army brigadier general Salim Ahmad Khan, who heads the Out of Country Voting System and Implementation Project, said registration windows have been staggered regionally, with each zone receiving five days.
HOW POSTAL VOTING WILL WORK:
Registered voters will receive postal ballots and return envelopes at their overseas addresses. Upon receiving their ballot, voters must scan a QR code using the Postal Vote BD app to verify their ballot paper.
After marking their vote, they must return the ballot by post using the envelope provided. The government will bear all mailing costs.
Each returning officer's office will set up a dedicated counting room for postal ballots. Results will be added to in-person votes, and postal totals will also be published separately.
The initiative marks Bangladesh's first attempt to allow large-scale postal voting by expatriates, who number in the millions worldwide.
