Dhaka, Jan 29 (V7N) — The 13th National Parliamentary Elections and referendum, scheduled to be held on February 12, will mark a historic first in Bangladesh, as prisoners will be allowed to vote through postal ballots under arrangements made by the Election Commission (EC).

According to official data, there are about 84,000 prisoners across 71 prisons in the country. As per EC rules, 6,284 prisoners applied for postal voting by January 5, of whom 5,960 applications have been finalized.

Among the approved applicants are 22 politicians, along with 17 bureaucrats and police officials, prison authorities said.

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain said that voting through postal ballots will take place on February 3. Special voting booths are being set up inside each prison, and both domestic and foreign observers will be invited to monitor the process.

“We have requested ballot papers and envelopes following the training instructions and expect to receive them today,” the IG Prisons said. “Arrangements are being made to show the ballot papers to prisoners and train them on all aspects of voting before polling day.”

Several prominent political figures currently in custody are expected to vote, including former Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, former State Minister for Relief Dr. Enamur Rahman, former Awami League MP Sadeq Khan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu, and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon.

Prison officials noted that the number of prisoner voters could have been higher, but many inmates face National ID complications, while others are expected to be released on bail before the voting date.

The initiative is being viewed as a significant step toward inclusive participation in the electoral process, expanding voting rights to eligible citizens even while in custody.

END/SMA/AJ