Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has announced that Bangladesh’s newly introduced ‘hybrid postal voting’ system is anticipated to become a global model. He shared these insights while speaking to journalists during his visit to the Tejgaon Mail Processing Centre in the capital to inspect postal ballot operations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CEC expressed optimism about the potential of this hybrid model, which combines online registration with the manual counting of postal ballots. He emphasized that for the first time since Bangladesh’s independence, expatriate Bangladeshis would have the opportunity to vote through postal ballots, a promise made by the Chief Adviser that the Election Commission is committed to fulfilling.
Nasir Uddin highlighted the continuous improvement and future advancements of the system, stating that it would become more advanced and its reach would expand in future elections. He acknowledged the challenges faced in introducing the system, mentioning that the Election Commission had consulted a broad range of experts, including specialists from universities and ICT companies, with support from organizations like IFES and UNDP.
Addressing concerns about cybersecurity, Nasir Uddin assured that experts had successfully managed cyber threats, and despite challenges, progress was being made effectively. He expressed confidence in the preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, noting improved law and order as polling day nears and a collaborative effort among stakeholders to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
The CEC described the work environment at the Tejgaon Mail Processing Centre as commendable, with officials and staff showing enthusiasm and efficiency in their tasks. He noted the positive impact on public confidence in the Election Commission, which he believes will strengthen over time.
Nasir Uddin revealed that approximately 5.75 lakh voters have registered for postal voting, with three more days remaining for registration, and he expressed hope for a substantial increase in registration numbers. The announcement was made in the presence of other notable officials including Election Commissioners and the Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat.