Cumilla district has recorded the highest number of expatriate voter registrations in Bangladesh ahead of the 13th National Parliament election and referendum. According to the Election Commission, 54,545 expatriates from Cumilla have registered through the 'Postal Vote BD' app, placing the district first among 64 nationwide. Dhaka ranks second. Registration began on November 19 and will continue until December 25, marking the first use of an IT-supported postal ballot system for overseas voters.

Election officials report that of the total applicants, 52,835 are men and 1,710 are women, with 8,755 registrations already approved. Cumilla has around 4.99 million total voters across 11 constituencies. The district’s large expatriate population—over 764,000 workers sent abroad since 2015—contributes nearly 9% of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce and about $100 million in monthly remittances. Officials expect total expatriate voter registrations to reach 60,000–70,000 before the deadline.

Authorities believe postal ballots could influence constituency results if participation is high. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters abroad, who will return them by post for counting on election day afternoon.