In a significant move to enhance electoral inclusivity, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has unveiled “Postal Vote BD,” a new system designed to enable Bangladeshi citizens living abroad to cast their votes in national elections. This initiative, facilitated through a dedicated mobile application, marks a major step towards ensuring the democratic participation of the large and influential expatriate community.
The “Postal Vote BD App” system will allow non-resident Bangladeshis to register as voters and cast their ballots through a postal system integrated with modern technology. The primary objective is to remove the geographical barriers that have historically disenfranchised millions of citizens residing overseas, who are significant contributors to the nation’s economy.
Postal Vote BD App Download
The Postal Vote BD app is the official mobile application for Bangladeshi voters living abroad. It is developed by the Bangladesh Election Commission to help expatriates register for postal voting.
You can use this app to apply for voter registration and track the status of your ballot paper easily from your smartphone. The app is available for all devices. You can download the Android version from the Google Play Store and the iOS version from the Apple App Store. The APK file is also available for Android users who prefer manual installation.
Bangladesh National Election
Postal Vote BD App
Bangladesh Election Commission Launch Postal Vote App for National Election 2026
Enrollment Process
Enroll first to Vote
Postal Ballot
Wait for the Postal Ballot
Voting Process
Vote through the App
Postal Vote Registration Schedule
The Election Commission (EC) has announced the postal voting schedule for the 13th parliamentary election. This opportunity is open to Bangladeshi expatriates living in 148 countries.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin launched the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app today. Registration will happen in phases based on your region.
Regional Registration Timetable
Below is the schedule for submitting your registration:
| Region / Location | Registration Dates |
| East Asia, Africa, & South America | Starts Wednesday – Ends Nov 23 |
| Europe | Nov 21 – Dec 03 |
| North America & Oceania | Nov 24 – Nov 28 |
| Saudi Arabia | Dec 04 – Dec 08 |
| South Asia & South-East Asia | Dec 09 – Dec 13 |
| Middle East (Excluding Saudi Arabia) | Dec 14 – Dec 18 |
Who Is Eligible?
You can register for postal voting if you fall into these categories:
- Bangladeshi citizens living abroad (Expatriates).
- Officials and employees assigned to polling duties.
- Government employees living outside their voting area.
- Voters currently under legal custody.
Postal Vote Enrollment Process
The “Postal Vote BD” application allows users to register for postal voting through a secure and straightforward digital process. The system is designed to verify the user’s identity using their mobile number and national identification documents. After successful registration, voters will receive their postal ballots by mail.
Following is a step-by-step guide to the enrollment process as illustrated in the provided document:
- Create a New Account: The user begins by selecting the option to create a new account within the “POSTAL VOTE BD” application.
- Mobile Number Confirmation: The user enters their mobile number for verification.
- OTP Verification: A One-Time Password (OTP) is sent to the registered mobile number to confirm ownership.
- Re-enter OTP for Final Verification: The user re-enters the OTP to finalize the mobile number verification.
- Prepare for Photo Identity Verification: The system prompts the user to prepare for a photo to be taken for identity verification.
- Take a Selfie with National ID: The user must take a selfie while holding their National Identity Card. The instructions emphasize ensuring the photo is clear.
- Upload National ID Photo: The user is prompted to take a clear picture of their National Identity Card for registration purposes.
- Passport Verification: Information is automatically extracted from the user’s passport for verification.
- Provide Foreign Address: The user must enter their current residential address in the foreign country.
- Successful Registration: The application confirms that the user is now successfully registered.
- Await Postal Ballot: Upon completion, the user is instructed to wait for the postal ballot to arrive by mail.
Postal Voting Process
This IT-supported postal voting process is designed to allow voters to cast their ballots with confidence, even from abroad. The system uses a mobile application to facilitate identity verification, ballot access, and tracking. Voters can monitor the status of their ballot through several stages, including its creation, shipment, receipt by the voter, return, arrival in Bangladesh, and acceptance by the returning officer.
The process for casting a postal vote involves the following steps:
- Authentication: The voter begins by confirming their mobile number and entering their password for authentication.
- Photo Verification: The voter is prompted to prepare to take a photo for identity verification.
- QR Code Scan: The voter must scan the QR code located on the ballot envelope. The application will automatically scan the code when it is placed within the on-screen frame.
- Access Ballot: After successful verification, the voter gains access to the digital interface of the ballot for their constituency (e.g., Dhaka 14).
- Mark Ballot: The user marks their choice on the physical ballot paper.
- Prepare Ballot for Return: The voter must sign the declaration form and seal the completed ballot inside the provided envelope.
- Mail the Ballot: The voter places the sealed ballot into the return envelope and drops it at a nearby post office to be mailed.
Key Timeline
- Nomination Submission Deadline: December 29.
- Scrutiny of Nominations: December 30 to January 4.
- Appeal Filing: January 5 to January 9.
- Appeal Resolution: January 10 to January 18.
- Last Date to Withdraw: January 20.
- Symbol Allocation: January 21.
- Campaign Period: January 22 to February 10 (ending at 7:30 AM).
13th Bangladesh National Election 2026
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has officially announced the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The voting will take place on February 12. A public referendum on the “July National Charter” will also be held on the same day. Voting will continue without a break from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Voters and Participation: There are over 127.6 million voters in this election. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis can vote via postal ballot. Over 300,000 expatriates have already registered. Currently, 56 parties are registered with the Election Commission. However, the Awami League cannot participate because their registration is suspended. Independent candidates are eligible to run.
Context and Security: This election comes 16 months after the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge. The timeline aligns with agreements made between Dr. Yunus and BNP leader Tarique Rahman. To manage the two votes (election and referendum) on the same day, voting time has been extended by one hour. The government will deploy nearly 900,000 security personnel to ensure safety. This is the highest number ever used for an election. Additionally, 150,000 police officers have been specially trained for this event.
Critical Updates
Excluded Parties: The Awami League remains banned from political activities and contesting the election under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Simultaneous Referendum: Voters will cast two ballots on February 12, 2026: one for their parliamentary representative and one for a National Referendum to ratify the “July Charter” (a package of constitutional reforms and institutional changes).
Announcement: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin officially announced the detailed schedule on the evening of December 11, 2025, following final consultations with the President and Chief Justice.
Candidate Eligibility: Prominent student leaders and interim government advisers (including Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud) resigned on December 10, 2025, to meet eligibility requirements for contesting the election.