Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has received approval to initiate the process of voter registration and issuance of national identity cards (NIDs) in four additional countries, namely France, Spain, Bahrain, and Singapore. This development marks a significant step in facilitating the participation of non-resident Bangladeshis in the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ASM Humayun Kabir, the director general of the EC's NID Wing, announced that this recent approval follows the commission's earlier permission to enroll non-resident Bangladeshis in the United States, Maldives, Jordan, South Africa, and Oman. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted the new approval via an official consent letter dispatched to the EC.
Currently, the commission is conducting expatriate voter registration activities through Bangladesh missions located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom (UK), Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Canada, and Japan. This expansion to include France, Spain, Bahrain, and Singapore is expected to enhance the inclusivity and reach of the voter registration initiative.