Bangladesh Election Commission to Launch Voter Registration Services in Norway, Sweden

Bangladeshi expatriates living in Norway and Sweden will soon be able to avail themselves of crucial voter registration and National Identity (NID) card services. The Election Commission (EC) is set to expand its overseas operations by launching services in these two Nordic countries starting July 30.

This expansion is part of a broader initiative to facilitate access for Bangladeshi citizens abroad. The commission has already announced plans to commence services in Bahrain from July 15 and in Singapore from July 29. These new locations will join the existing network of 24 stations operating across 14 countries, including major hubs like the USA, UK, UAE, Malaysia, Italy, and Australia.

Since the commencement of the expatriate voter registration process on May 18, 2023, the EC has received a substantial number of applications. Between May 2023 and June 18 this year, a total of 89,897 applications were submitted. Of these, 22,018 NID cards have already been printed and dispatched to the respective diplomatic missions for distribution to the applicants.

The initiative aims to streamline administrative processes for Bangladeshi nationals living abroad, ensuring their participation in electoral processes and access to essential identification documents. The EC's continued efforts to broaden its service reach underscore a commitment to serving its diaspora.