A dialogue was held in Kuala Lumpur focusing on ensuring voting rights for Bangladeshi expatriates and distributing smart cards.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar told participants, “Expatriates are a driving force in our economy. It is our duty to secure their voting rights. For the first time, they will be able to cast ballots in the national election.”

He announced the introduction of “IT-assisted postal voting” for expatriates, allowing online registration and applications. Ballot papers will be mailed to registered addresses abroad, with completed ballots returned in sealed envelopes directly to returning officers. A ballot-tracking system will also be in place.

Expatriates welcomed the move enthusiastically, with one worker remarking, “We were long deprived of our right to vote. Now we are thrilled to finally participate.”