Government ensuring voting rights for expatriates, Yunus says in Malaysia

He emphasises the government’s commitment to recognising the economic contributions of overseas Bangladeshis

Photo: PID

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to expatriate Bangladeshis in Malaysia for their significant contributions to the country’s economy and reiterated the government’s efforts to guarantee their voting rights in the upcoming election.

On Tuesday, the second day of his visit to Malaysia, Yunus acknowledged the expatriates’ role in economic recovery, according to a media statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office.

"You will be able to vote in the elections that are going to be held in February next. The Election Commission is working to this end," he was quoted as saying by the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

Since assuming office, Yunus said, the government has engaged with expatriates to listen to their grievances and address justified concerns, particularly simplifying passport-related issues.

Initiatives like “Citizen Service Bangladesh” are under way to streamline government services to expatriates, alongside developing a dedicated app to connect Bangladeshis worldwide on a single platform, he added.

The meeting also discussed issues faced by Bangladeshis in Malaysia, including embassy staffing, ‘Graduate Plus’ visas for students, regularisation of irregular workers, and trade cooperation with Malaysian authorities, as outlined by Expatriate Welfare Advisor Asif Nazrul.