119 Rangpur Central Jail inmates cast votes by post, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever prisoner postal voting. Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, Feb 4, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 119 prisoners are casting their votes through postal ballots from Rangpur Central Jail in the upcoming February 12 Referendum and Jatiya Sangsad elections.

This marks the first time in the country's history that postal voting has been arranged for inmates and prisoners in an election.

According to District Election Office sources, fewer than 1,000 postal voters across Rangpur district had cast their votes as of Wednesday (February 4). Officials, however, expect the number to rise, as postal voting will remain open until 4:30 pm on February 12.

In Rangpur district, 23,567 voters have registered to cast their votes by post from home and abroad. These registered voters include expatriates, government and private officials and employees, as well as prisoners.

Senior Jail Superintendent of Rangpur Central Jail Abhijit Chowdhury said there are currently 1,043 inmates and prisoners in the jail, of whom 119 have registered for postal voting.

"Postal voting for the registered inmates and prisoners began on February 3 and will end tomorrow. Necessary arrangements have been made to conduct postal voting inside the jail over these three days," he said.

The District Returning Officer's office confirmed that all registered postal voters will be able to cast their votes until 4:30 pm on February 12.

Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer Mohammad Enamul Ahsan said voters had registered for postal voting through the 'Postal Vote BD' app, with the registration deadline ending on January 5.

"After registration, ballot papers were sent to the registered voters by post," he added.