Bangladeshi expats in Canada can now register to vote, get NIDs

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has launched voter registration and National Identity Card (NID) services for expatriates residing in Canada. Bangladeshi citizens in Canada can now be included in the voter list and obtain smart NIDs through the country’s missions.

The inaugural event was held on Thursday at the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin attending as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, the CEC emphasised that ensuring every citizen’s right to vote, regardless of where they live, is essential for an inclusive democracy. He noted that expatriates contribute significantly to the country’s development through remittances, investments, and technology transfer, making their direct participation in shaping the nation’s future crucial.

During a Q&A session, the CEC addressed various queries from expatriates and formally inaugurated the service by handing over smart NID cards to several registered Bangladeshi citizens from Canada.

Under this new initiative, Bangladeshi citizens living abroad can register as voters and collect their NID cards through various Bangladesh missions. Canada has now been added to the list, with services available at the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Toronto.

The event included a welcome speech by Acting High Commissioner Kazi Rasel Parvez and a vote of thanks by Deputy High Commissioner Dewan Hosne Ayub.

The launch of voter registration and NID services in Canada is seen as a significant milestone for Bangladesh, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic rights of nearly ten million expatriate citizens.