Bagerhat: A total of 74 individuals, including 29 prisoners and 45 jail staff, have successfully cast their votes through the postal ballot system at Bagerhat District Jail. This marks a significant development as it is the first time that prisoners have been allowed to participate in both national elections and a referendum, as informed by the Election Commission (EC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this initiative was facilitated by the EC, which sent postal ballot papers featuring party symbols for the national elections, along with referendum ballot papers, voter instructions, and declarations to registered prisoners via the postal department. The voting process was conducted over three days within the jail premises.
Following a motivational program organized by the prison authorities, six registered prisoners showed interest in voting in their respective areas post-release on bail. This reflects a growing awareness and participation in the electoral process among the inmate population.
Bagerhat District Jail Jailer Khandaker Al-Mamun confirmed to BSS that out of 35 registered prisoners, 29 exercised their right to vote. Additionally, 45 officers and staff members also completed their voting, marking a successful implementation of the postal voting system within the jail.