Prisoners will be allowed to vote in the upcoming national parliamentary elections. In addition, nearly ten lakh people involved in the election process—including presiding officers, returning officers, and members of law enforcement agencies—will also be able to cast their votes.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin made the remarks on Monday during the closing ceremony of the fourth phase of basic training for members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), held at the Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB) in Bhatara, Dhaka.

The CEC said that nearly ten lakh personnel will be deployed for the upcoming 13th national elections. “Presiding officers, returning officers, and law enforcement personnel involved in the election process usually cannot vote. This time, we have taken the initiative to ensure that everyone responsible for the elections can cast their votes. An app will be launched to register those involved in the elections. Ballots will be sent to their home addresses, and they can vote according to the guidelines,” he explained.

Nasir Uddin also emphasised that those in legal custody in prisons are citizens of this country, and arrangements have been made for them to vote. In addition, expatriates will also be able to vote this time.

Reflecting on his role, the CEC said, “I constantly think about what kind of Bangladesh we are leaving for the future, what kind of democratic Bangladesh we want to leave behind, and how we will leave it. I have never considered this position merely as a routine duty or a job. I have taken it as a mission, as a challenge.”

The event was attended by Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, senior officials, and the trainees.