NID Cards Are Being Issued to Expats in Saudi Arabia and the UK Before the Elections

NID Cards Are Being Issued to Expats in Saudi Arabia and the UK Before the Elections. The Election Commission of Bangladesh is gearing up to distribute National Identity Cards (NID Cards) to Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom before the upcoming national elections. This initiative aims to facilitate their participation in the electoral process from abroad.

Following a recent meeting of the Election Commissioners on August 21, Election Commissioner Secretary Jahangir Alam announced significant progress in the issuance of NID cards to expatriates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively coordinating to commence the distribution process in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

“We aim to complete the distribution of NID cards to expatriates before the upcoming parliamentary elections, anticipated to be held by December,” stated Jahangir Alam, emphasizing the Election Commission’s commitment to facilitating overseas Bangladeshis’ voting rights.

In addition to the NID card distribution, the Election Commission plans to enhance electoral efficiency by encouraging candidates to submit their nomination papers online. While this initiative is not yet mandatory, it reflects efforts to modernize and streamline the electoral process.

During the meeting, the Election Commission rejected a proposal to form a new committee for drafting lists of presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers. Instead, the current protocol, where district commissioners and divisional commissioners serve as returning officers, will be followed.

The upcoming distribution of NID cards to expatriates in Saudi Arabia and the UK marks a significant step towards inclusivity in Bangladesh’s electoral system. By facilitating overseas voting rights and advocating for online nomination submissions, the Election Commission aims to ensure a fair and accessible electoral process.