The Election Commission (EC) has taken initiatives to ease complexities surrounding passports and streamline National Identity (NID) services for expatriates, enabling overseas Bangladeshis to register as voters even without holding a valid Bangladeshi passport.
On Wednesday, the EC’s directive, signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the National Identity Registration Wing, was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and high commissions.
The directive also cautioned against fraudulent claims from holders of fake Bangladeshi passports.
Currently, voter registration and NID issuance for expatriates are underway at 17 missions across 10 countries. According to the new guidelines, expatriates can register as voters by submitting a valid Bangladeshi passport, an expired Bangladeshi passport, or a foreign passport. In addition, they must provide a certification from three expatriates residing in the same country who already hold Bangladeshi NIDs, verifying their citizenship.
The circular titled “Voter Registration and National Identity Card Issuance for Expatriates” specifies a detailed list of documents required for registration. Applicants must submit a completed online application form (Form-2 Ka), along with additional “special information forms” if they are from 56 upazilas or thanas in the Chattogram division designated as “special areas.” They are also required to provide copies of valid or expired Bangladeshi passports, or foreign passports, along with a citizenship verification certificate signed by three expatriate NID holders. A verified copy of the applicant’s Bangladeshi birth certificate and one passport-sized color photograph must also be submitted. In addition, applicants need to include copies of their parents’ NIDs, or where applicable, their birth or death certificates, citizenship or inheritance certificates, or dual nationality certificates.
Academic certificates (SSC/JSC/PEC or equivalent), driving license, TIN, marriage certificate and spouse’s NID, utility bills, holding tax receipts, and other relevant documents as required.
If an expatriate cannot submit all required documents at the registration center abroad, their representative in Bangladesh may submit them directly to the local registration officer (Upazila/Thana Election Officer). Election officials will also verify the information in the applicant’s home constituency through field investigation.
The EC emphasized that these measures aim to ensure inclusivity by allowing expatriates to exercise their voting rights, while safeguarding against fraudulent registrations.
