‘NID may be locked for postal ballot irregularities’

Staff Reporter :

Election Commission has issued a stern warning to expatriate voters that any irregularities or misconduct involving postal ballots will not be tolerated.

Officials said those involved may have their National ID (NID) locked and, if necessary, could be sent back to Bangladesh.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah briefed reporters on Thursday evening, noting that recent videos from Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait showing potential ballot mishandling have circulated on social media. He emphasised that, so far, no major violations have been reported.

“We spoke with all our embassies yesterday. Even the slightest misconduct regarding postal ballots will face strict consequences.

Punitive measures will include locking the NID of the concerned individual and initiating procedures to bring them back to the country if needed,” said the Election Commissioner. To ensure ballot integrity, the EC has introduced stricter procedures for ballot distribution.

In Bahrain, postal ballots will only be handed over once the voter presents a valid CPR (identity card), while in Oman, ballots will be distributed only after verifying the passport of the voter.

The EC also highlighted complications arising in Middle Eastern countries and Malaysia, where many migrant workers share the same mess or camp addresses.

Around 14,891 voters have reportedly used the same address for postal ballot delivery for more than 100 people per location. Additionally, 4,521 ballots were returned due to incorrect addresses as of Tuesday.

Fazal Md. Sanaullah added that, where possible, the original ballots will be used, with the final decision to be taken by the Election Commission on Friday.

As of Tuesday, a total of 140,873 overseas voters across various countries have received their postal ballots.