How Bangladeshi Citizens Abroad Can Vote in Elections

Unfortunately, voting from abroad remains extremely challenging for Bangladeshi citizens. Despite Bangladesh's 7.4 million overseas citizens being constitutionally entitled to vote, fewer than 1% are actually registered. In recent elections, zero expatriates successfully voted through postal ballots, and there's a 57% rejection rate for incomplete voter applications.

Required Documentation

Essential Documents

• Valid 17-digit Bangladeshi NID (matching passport and birth certificate information)
• Valid Bangladeshi passport (original and photocopy)
• 17-digit birth certificate (matching passport/NID)
• Current email address and mobile number
• Permanent address in Bangladesh (determines constituency and polling center)
• Current overseas address

Additional Required Documents

• Academic certificates (SSC/JSC/PSC)
• Parents' NID
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Utility bills
• Wage Earners Welfare Board (WEWB) registration - now mandatory for expatriates

Step-by-Step Voting Process

1. Online Application Submission
   • Complete the BEC's Form-2A online with personal details matching your passport and birth certificate
   • Upload recent passport-size photo and digital copies of required documents
   • Time: 1-2 hours if documents are ready
2. Document Preparation
   • Gather all required documents
   • Ensure all information is consistent across documents
   • Time: 1-3 days (longer if sourcing documents from Bangladesh)
   • Cost: $10-20 for copies, photos, printing; $10-30 for courier if needed
3. WEWB Registration
   • Register with the Wage Earners Welfare Board at Bangladesh mission abroad or online
   • Pay membership fee of Tk 3,500 (~$30)
   • Time: 1-3 days (can be done in parallel with other steps)
4. Biometric Enrollment
   • Schedule appointment at nearest Bangladesh mission/consulate
   • Attend for fingerprinting, iris scan, photo, and signature
   • Time: 3-14 days for scheduling plus 1 day visit
   • Cost: $13-20 mission fee + $10-100 travel + $10-20 miscellaneous
5. Verification Process
   • Application and biometrics sent to relevant Upazila Election Office in Bangladesh
   • Officials verify authenticity and cross-check with national voters list
   • Time: 2-6 weeks (longer if issues arise)
6. Polling Center Assignment
   • You'll be assigned to a constituency and polling center based on your permanent Bangladesh address
   • Time: Concurrent with Upazila review
7. Final Approval
   • Upon approval, receive confirmation and download smart NID
   • Time: 1-2 weeks after Upazila approval

Timeline and Costs

Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks typically

Total Cost: $70-170 USD