Dhaka, Apr 09 (V7N) – The Election Commission (EC) has announced that no single voting method will be adopted exclusively to ensure expatriate participation in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The voting system for overseas Bangladeshis is still under active review, with decisions to be guided by practicality and timely implementation.

At a press conference held at the Election Commission Building on Wednesday (April 9), Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah stated that the EC is not in favor of implementing any system that would require a long preparation period.

The issue has sparked significant discussions in recent weeks. Just a day earlier, on Tuesday, the EC held a workshop at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon, where experts discussed three proposed methods for overseas voting: proxy voting, online voting, and postal voting.

According to Commissioner Sanaullah, the workshop produced diverse opinions — both in favor and against each proposed method. He noted that while some supported online voting for its convenience, others raised concerns about technical feasibility and security. Similarly, postal and proxy voting methods were also critically analyzed.

Despite earlier suggestions leaning toward proxy voting as the most suitable method, Sanaullah emphasized that no final decision has been made. A committee is being formed to further examine the feedback and provide recommendations.

Commissioner Sanaullah reaffirmed the EC’s commitment to ensuring expatriate voting rights, saying, “Expatriates will have the opportunity to vote in the next election, regardless of their location.” However, he clarified that any chosen method must be efficient and implementable within the limited timeframe.

The inclusion of expatriate voters, a long-standing demand from the Bangladeshi diaspora, is being seen as a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative electoral process. The EC is expected to finalize a practical framework in the coming months.

END/MSS/AJ