‘BNP wants candidates’ names, symbols on postal ballots’
Staff Reporter :
The BNP on Thursday urged the Election Commission (EC) to introduce constituency-based postal ballots that clearly display the names and electoral symbols of candidates for in-country postal voting in the upcoming national election.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said while visiting the EC.
He said the party also demanded a detailed explanation from the Election Commission regarding a recently circulated viral video showing postal ballots sent to Bahrain, raising concerns over alleged flaws in the expatriate voting system.
A four-member BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, placed a number of proposals and concerns before Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin during a meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed said discussions focused on key issues related to the election code of conduct and the postal voting process. He said the BNP proposed that the same ballot paper used in general voting within a constituency-containing the names and symbols of all contesting candidates-should also be used for postal voting. “We have placed a clear and logical proposal that postal ballots must include the names and symbols of all candidates from the respective constituencies, just like regular ballots,” he said.
According to Salahuddin, the Election Commission assured the BNP delegation that the proposal would be taken into consideration.
Raising concerns once again over the viral video involving postal ballots in Bahrain, Salahuddin alleged that due diligence was not properly maintained during the preparation and distribution of postal ballots for expatriate voters.
“Those responsible for preparing and distributing these ballots must explain how this happened. The Election Commission must also provide a clear explanation,” he said.
He further claimed that videos circulating on social media show instances where 200 to 300 postal ballots were found at a single residence, ballots were seized in some areas, and voting appeared to have started even before the official postal voting date of January 22.
Salahuddin also alleged cases where ballots issued in one individual’s name were received by another, calling it a direct violation of electoral rules.
Noting that this is the first time Bangladesh is allowing expatriates to vote through postal ballots, he acknowledged that initial errors could occur. However, he alleged that BNP is being adversely affected by these irregularities.
“We believe certain actions have been taken to benefit a particular political party. This is no longer mere suspicion-evidence is gradually coming to light,” he claimed.
The BNP leader stressed that the Election Commission must clearly explain the entire process of how postal ballots were sent to expatriate voters.
The party also raised concerns over restrictions on voter slips under the existing code of conduct.
Salahuddin said voter slips should include information such as voter number, candidate name, and symbol to help voters easily identify their preferred candidates.
“At present, voter slips are prohibited from containing party names, symbols, or candidate photographs. We believe these restrictions should be reconsidered,” he said, adding that the Election Commission has the authority to amend the code of conduct if necessary.
He said all candidates distribute voter slips and voters are capable of making informed decisions. “The election process should be made simpler to encourage maximum voter participation,” he added.
Salahuddin also mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recently postponed a scheduled visit at the request of the Election Commission as a gesture of respect. “The visit was neither political nor related to election campaigning,” he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, another BNP delegation led by Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan also raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding the viral video on postal ballot distribution in Bahrain.
Nazrul Islam alleged that the video shows leaders of a particular political party handling a large number of ballot papers in Bahrain.
He said the Election Commission informed them that it was aware of the issue and had already contacted the Bangladeshi ambassador in Bahrain.
The Commission assured the BNP delegation that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified the viral video, stating that the incident occurred due to differences in postal delivery systems and did not involve any irregularities.
He explained that Bangladesh’s postal ballots are being sent through the Universal Postal Union (UPU) with the assistance of the Bangladesh Postal Department.
“In countries like Bahrain and other parts of the Middle East, the postal system operates differently. Around 160 ballots were delivered to a single location in one box,” he said.
Akhtar Ahmed said the system there resembles that of student hostels, where mail is kept at a designated location and recipients collect their letters themselves.
“About 160 postal ballots were placed in one box. Later, expatriate Bangladeshis opened the box and distributed the ballots among four or five people-whoever lived nearby collected or delivered them,” he said.
He added that a video of the process was recorded and shared on social media, which he personally believes should not have happened. “From what we understand, someone shared the video out of excitement at receiving a ballot. If observed carefully, there is no evidence that any envelope was opened,” he added.