Dhaka, Feb 03 (V7N) — Postal voting for prisoners has begun today and will continue until February 7, the Election Commission (EC) announced at noon on Tuesday (February 3).

This marks the first time the EC has allowed prisoners to vote through postal ballots. Prison authorities have made arrangements under the EC’s guidance to facilitate the process.

Earlier, the EC began sending postal ballots within the country from January 6. The commission emphasized that ballots must reach the returning officer by 4:30 pm on polling day to be counted. Late submissions will not be accepted. The internal postal ballots display both the name of the candidate and the party symbol.

A total of 1.533 million registered voters are eligible to vote through postal ballots, with about half residing within the country and the rest abroad.

The 13th National Parliament election and referendum will be held on February 12, with polling running from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without interruption.

END/SMA/AJ