Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has issued a circular providing detailed instructions on the required documents for registering expatriate Bangladeshis as voters.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the circular specifies the necessary documentation, which includes an online filled application form (Registration Form 2A), a copy of a Bangladeshi birth registration certificate (online verified), a copy of a valid or expired Bangladeshi passport, a copy of a foreign passport, or a citizenship certificate signed by three Bangladeshi NID holders residing in the relevant country. These documents are required for voter registration and the issuance of national identity cards for expatriate Bangladeshis.
Additionally, the applicant must provide a copy of the parents' NID, birth certificate, death certificate (if applicable), passport copy, heir certificate, or citizenship certificate proving residency in Bangladesh. A color passport-sized photograph is also required. Educational certificates, a special information form for special areas declared by the Election Commission, marriage certificates, and the national identity card of the spouse, along with the applicant's citizenship certificate and a copy of a utility bill or holding tax receipt with the relevant address, may be necessary in certain cases.
The circular also requires applicants to appear in person on a specified date at the mission office, submit the required documents to the registration center, and provide a photograph and biometrics, including ten fingerprints, iris, and signature. Other necessary documents can also be submitted to the registration center.
If needed, a representative residing in Bangladesh can submit these documents on behalf of the applicant to the registration officer. Furthermore, an on-site investigation report, based on the information provided in Form 2A, will be prepared by the upazila or thana election officer of the concerned voter area, which is mandatory for registration.
The Election Commission plans to launch the Expatriate Voter Registration App on November 18, ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election.