NID service abroad: Expired passports now valid for voter registration

The option also includes submitting a ‘citizenship certificate’ endorsed by three expatriates with valid NIDs in the host country

The Election Commission (EC) is allowing expatriates holding expired passports to register to vote as part of efforts to introduce postal ballots for Bangladeshis living abroad.

Voter registration and national ID (NID) enrolment are already under way in 17 missions across 10 countries. The new directive is aimed at making the process easier for more applicants.

The instructions were issued on Wednesday by the NID Wing of the EC and sent to the foreign ministry, ambassadors, and high commissioners.

From now on, alongside a valid Bangladeshi passport copy, expatriates can submit a copy of an expired Bangladeshi passport or, in the case of dual citizens, a foreign passport.

Alternatively, they may submit certification from three expatriates in the host country who hold valid Bangladeshi NIDs, affirming their citizenship.

According to the circular, those seeking to be included in the voter list must provide the following documents:

• Online application form [Form-2 Ka]

• ‘Special information form’ for 56 Upazilas/Thanas in Chattogram Division, designated as special areas by the EC

• Copy of valid Bangladeshi passport/expired Bangladeshi passport/foreign passport/certificate from three expatriates with valid NIDs in the host country

• Copy of Bangladeshi birth certificate (online verified)

• One passport-sized colour photo, copies of parents’ NIDs or Bangladeshi online birth certificates, or relevant death/will/citizenship/dual citizenship certificates where applicable

• Copies of education certificates (SSC/equivalent/JSC/PEC), where applicable

• Driving licence/TIN where applicable

• Marriage certificate and spouse’s NID, where applicable

• Citizenship certificate from councillor, chairman, mayor, CEO or administrator, where applicable

• Utility bill or holding tax receipt with the relevant address, where applicable

Applicants must submit forms, passport copies, photographs, birth certificates and certification (if required) at registration centres. If other documents cannot be submitted abroad, a representative in Bangladesh may submit them to the local election office.

Information provided in the online application [Form-2 Ka] will be verified on-site by election officials in the applicant’s designated constituency.

Since taking office, the Election Commission has undertaken measures to simplify NID services, with expatriate voter enrolment now a priority.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan recently urged the chief election commissioner to allow ordinary passport holders abroad to register, while stressing the need to prevent fraudulent passports from being used.