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In a strategic move to bolster expatriate participation in the upcoming National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Election Commission has officially extended the registration deadline for postal ballots until December 31. The decision comes alongside a fresh directive from the Commission ordering all scheduled banks to remain operational this Saturday, December 27, to facilitate election-related financial requirements.
The announcement was communicated to journalists by the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Wednesday, citing Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, Akhtar Ahmed. The extension is seen as a critical window for millions of Bangladeshis living abroad to secure their right to vote from their respective host countries.
To streamline the process for the diaspora, the government launched the "Postal Vote BD" mobile application on November 18, with the formal registration process commencing the following day. While the initial window was set to close on December 25, the Commission’s latest intervention provides an additional six days for eligible voters to complete their digital enrollment.
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Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the extension was prompted by a lower-than-expected response from the expatriate community during the initial registration phase. Despite the technological ease offered by the dedicated app, the government is now intensifying efforts to ensure that the "Postal Vote BD" platform reaches a wider audience before the new year’s Eve cutoff.
The directive to keep banks open on Saturday further underscores the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining momentum as the national polls approach. By ensuring financial institutions remain accessible during the final weekend of the month, the EC aims to prevent administrative bottlenecks that could hinder the electoral process. With the new deadline firmly set for the final day of December, officials are urging all non-resident Bangladeshis to utilize the extension and register to make their voices heard in the democratic process.
