Jamaat demands extension of voting time for expatriates
- Update Time : 02:41:12 pm, Friday, 23 January 2026
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DHAKA – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on the Election Commission (EC) to extend the deadline for expatriate voters to submit their postal ballots by at least one week, citing logistical hurdles and insufficient time.
The demand was made by the party’s Assistant Secretary General, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, during a press conference held Friday evening at the party’s headquarters in Maghbazar. Addressing the media, Zubayer noted that while allowing expatriates to vote via postal ballot is a landmark and positive decision, the current deadline of January 25 is unrealistic for those living abroad.
He emphasized that to ensure the constitutional rights of overseas citizens are protected, the Commission must extend the window by at least seven days. Zubayer also raised concerns regarding the overall electoral atmosphere, alleging frequent violations of the code of conduct. He urged the Commission to take a firmer stance to ensure a “level playing field” for all participating parties.
This election marks the first time the Bangladeshi diaspora has been granted the opportunity to vote via postal ballot. However, analysts have joined political leaders in suggesting that the narrow timeframe could lead to significant disenfranchisement if not addressed. The press conference concluded with the presence of several high-ranking central and city-level leaders of the organization.
