Bangladesh is set to witness a major change in its electoral process as the country introduces postal voting in its history during the February 12 national election. The move aims to include overseas citizens, government staff posted away from home constituencies, and other eligible voters who previously struggled to cast ballots. Election officials say the new system could expand participation and modernise the voting process across the country.
More than 1.5 million voters at home and abroad have registered for postal voting through a digital platform, marking one of the biggest electoral reforms since Bangladesh’s independence.
Bangladesh Election 2026: How the Bangladesh Postal Voting System Works
The Election Commission created a dedicated digital platform called the Postal Vote BD App to manage the entire process. Voters register by creating a profile, uploading identification details, and completing verification through photographs and official documents.
Once officials approve an application, authorities send ballot papers to registered voters. Participants mark their choices and send completed ballots back through local postal services to their designated constituencies. Officials track ballots digitally to ensure transparency and prevent duplication.
Bangladesh Election 2026:Â Who Can Vote By Postal Ballot In Bangladesh Elections?
The new system mainly targets expatriate Bangladeshis, election duty officials, government employees working outside their constituencies, and certain voters in custody. Overseas participation has surged, with hundreds of thousands of expatriates already casting votes ahead of polling day.
Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom have seen some of the highest overseas registrations, reflecting strong interest among migrant workers and diaspora communities.
Bangladesh Election 2026:Â How Postal Ballots Are Verified And Counted
Election officials follow a strict verification process to maintain election integrity. After voters return ballots, authorities examine envelopes and identity details for authenticity. Officials then seal verified ballots and store them securely until counting begins.
Authorities only count ballots that reach returning officers before the official deadline on polling day, ensuring timely and fair inclusion in the final results.
Bangladesh Election 2026:Â How Bangladeshis Voted Before Postal Voting Reform
Before this reform, most Bangladeshis voted in person using paper ballots at local polling stations. Overseas citizens had limited or no access to national elections unless they travelled home to vote. Although authorities tested electronic voting machines in some constituencies, they never replaced traditional ballots nationwide.
The introduction of postal voting aims to close this gap by offering millions of expatriates a direct voice in national politics.
Bangladesh Election 2026: Why Postal Voting Matters For Bangladesh’s Democracy
Election officials believe the new system can increase voter turnout and encourage wider political participation. By enabling overseas workers and citizens abroad to vote easily, the reform strengthens connections between diaspora communities and domestic politics.
Experts also view the digital-supported postal ballot system as a step toward modernising elections while maintaining the traditional paper-based counting process.
As Bangladesh prepares for polling day, the success of postal voting could shape how future elections expand access and participation across borders.
