Dhaka, Jan 17 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has decided to change the design of postal ballots used within the country, removing all symbols except those of the final contesting candidates. Under the new design, domestic postal ballots will contain only the name and electoral symbol of the respective candidate, similar to the system followed for postal ballots sent abroad.

Sources said the decision was taken at an informal meeting of the Election Commission on Friday night (January 16).

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, a BNP delegation led by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed visited the Election Commission and held discussions on the issue. During the meeting, the BNP proposed that postal ballots used within the country should include only the names and symbols of the relevant candidates, instead of displaying all registered symbols.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed said that postal ballots would be used extensively inside the country in the upcoming election.

“I clearly proposed that instead of placing all symbols on the ballot, the names and symbols of the relevant candidates should be printed. Necessary measures should be taken so that voters can cast their votes easily without complicating the election process,” he said.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan alleged that certain symbols—such as the scales, hand fan and lotus—were placed in the first row of the postal ballot to provide undue advantage to specific political parties.

In response, the Election Commission clarified that the design of the postal ballots sent abroad was prepared by following the sequence of symbols as listed in the government gazette, and that no special preference was given.

Who Can Vote by Postal Ballot?

For the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum–2026, the following voters will be eligible to vote using postal ballots within the country:

  • Officials and employees engaged in election duties

  • Government employees working outside their registered voting constituencies

  • Voters who are in legal custody

According to EC data, 15,33,683 voters have registered for postal voting. Of them, 7,61,141 voters are residing within the country.

The Election Commission believes the revised ballot design will help ensure neutrality and ease of voting, while addressing concerns raised by political parties.

END/SMA/AJ