BNP Flags ‘Serious Flaws’ in Expatriate Postal Ballots, Demands Explanation

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demanded an explanation from the Election Commission (EC), alleging multiple irregularities in the preparation and distribution of postal ballots sent to expatriate voters.

According to the party, serious flaws in the postal ballot process are undermining electoral fairness and causing harm to BNP.

A BNP delegation raised the allegations during a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Building in the capital’s Agargaon area on Thursday. The party also formally sought clarification from the EC on the matter.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party had once again expressed deep concern over the postal ballots sent to expatriate voters. He claimed the ballots were not properly prepared and demanded accountability from those involved in drafting, distributing, and overseeing the process.

He alleged that numerous videos circulating on social media show postal ballots being delivered in bulk—200 to 300 ballots reportedly found in a single residence in some cases. In other instances, ballots have been seized, while voting has allegedly begun ahead of the scheduled date of January 22. He further claimed that in some cases, ballots were being received by individuals using someone else’s identification number.

Noting that postal voting for expatriates is being implemented for the first time, Salahuddin Ahmed acknowledged that minor mistakes could occur. However, he claimed the scale and nature of the irregularities suggest BNP is being disproportionately affected.

He alleged that certain actions appeared to favor a specific political party, adding that these were no longer mere suspicions but were increasingly being substantiated. He said the party had therefore demanded a clear and transparent explanation from the Election Commission.

Salahuddin Ahmed also raised concerns over the code of conduct related to voter slips. He argued that to ensure voter participation, slips should include the candidate’s name, symbol, and voter number. However, the current code of conduct restricts the use of party names, symbols, and candidate photographs. He said the EC has the authority to amend the code if it chooses.

Additionally, he accused the EC of failing to act against violations of the electoral code of conduct. He claimed that at the EC’s request, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had postponed his travel plans, while senior leaders of other political parties continue to make public statements and campaign openly without facing any action.

Salahuddin Ahmed further alleged bias among several returning officers. He said BNP has also submitted a clear proposal to the Election Commission suggesting that, for domestic postal ballots, the same ballot papers used for general voting—containing candidates’ names and symbols—should be applied in the relevant constituencies. He expressed hope that the EC would give due consideration to the proposal.