Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin -Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 25, 2025 (BSS) - Expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to exercise their voting rights this time in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.

"Expatriates will get the opportunity to exercise their voting rights this time. It will be possible to complete the registration process easily and transparently by filling the remaining gaps," he told a press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon.

Highlighting the experience of his recent visit to Canada, the CEC said, "I’ve directly exchanged views with expatriates in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada. Our steps and the IT-supported postal voting system were highlighted there.”

“This has increased trust and confidence among the expatriates. My presence has created a high level of confidence among them. This is a special moment in the history of voting. It is a historic beginning like a small child starting to walk,” he said.

The CEC said, “We’re facing multiple challenges to ensure the voting rights of the expatriates. However, we hope that the postal voting process will be easily delivered. In Toronto and Ottawa, we have seen great interest among the expatriates. There is government cooperation, which will further strengthen this process.”

“Half of the expatriates are in the Middle East. While campaigning and organizing activities are relatively easy in America, Japan and Canada, it becomes complicated in the Middle East for various reasons. That is why we are working under multiple constraints there,” he said.

Regarding the registration of new parties, the CEC said, the EC’s target was to complete the registration process of new parties by September.

However, it is taking some time due to complaints and additional information gathering from various parties, he added. 

Although the initial notification has been issued, objections and complaints will have to be resolved before final approval, he said.

Regarding the National Citizen Party (NCP)’s demand of Shapla symbol, the CEC said, “Discussions are ongoing on this issue. Nagorik Oikya was first to demand Shapla symbol, but we did not give it then. After that, the NCP applied for the second time. It is not possible to give a final statement on this issue before the commission's decision. A decision will be made on this issue after the discussion of the commission's meeting.”

He said that any party can apply and write to the EC. In politics, various issues have to be resolved unanimously for the country's interest, he said.

“We will take a decision after considering that aspect,” he added.