Dhaka, Dec 01(V7N)- BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is not currently listed as a voter, the Election Commission (EC) confirmed on Monday (December 1). However, if an application is submitted and the Commission allows it, he may both exercise his voting rights and contest in the next national elections, said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

He made the remarks during a media briefing at the Election Commission building in the afternoon. At the same event, the EC made an important announcement regarding voter registration for expatriate Bangladeshis.

Responding to a question about Tarique Rahman’s voter status, the EC Secretary said,

“As far as I know, he is not a voter yet.”

Journalists then asked whether he could participate in the election without being on the voter list. Akhtar Ahmed replied,

“Yes, if the Commission decides.”

He clarified that the EC has the legal authority to make such decisions.

The EC secretary further said that the new NID program is ongoing, but only those who turned 18 on or before October 31 will be included in the current voter list.

Additionally, the deadline for online voter registration of expatriates has been extended by one more week, now until December 25. The extension was given to accommodate the convenience of Bangladeshis living abroad.

END/SMA/AJ