In Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, a total of 5,067 prisoners utilized their voting rights via postal ballots, marking a historic first for the country. The voting process was officially completed on Monday, as confirmed by prison authorities.
Out of the 5,990 inmates who registered to vote by mail from 75 prisons across the nation, 380 applications were rejected due to errors, resulting in 5,610 eligible voters. Ultimately, 5,067 prisoners submitted their votes, while 543 abstained from voting.
Among the registered voters were 60 prominent detainees, including 39 political figures, 11 former secretaries, five police officers, and one university lecturer. Of these individuals, 56 successfully cast their votes, according to officials.
Md Jannat-ul-Farhad, the Assistant Inspector General (Development and Media) of the Prison Directorate, disclosed that ballot envelopes from various prisons were dispatched to the returning officers in respective districts. He mentioned that the disclosure of individual voting choices is prohibited.
Sources from the prisons revealed the registration of former ministers Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Junaid Ahmed, and Dipu Moni. However, Dipu Moni did not participate in the voting process despite registering.
The voting took place over several days, with 1,521 inmates voting on February 3, 988 on February 4, 1,138 on February 5, 420 on February 6, 471 on February 7, 295 on February 8, and 234 on February 9. Notably, 198 female inmates were among the voters.
The registration, which lasted for three weeks and concluded on January 5, involved the Election Commission’s mobile application with support from prison authorities. At that time, there were around 86,000 inmates in prisons.
Jannat-ul-Farhad acknowledged the historic nature of the voting initiative but noted a limited interest in registration among inmates. He cited reasons such as the belief among inmates that they might be released on bail soon and the lack of national identity cards among long-term inmates. Allegations that many inmates affiliated with the Awami League and its associated groups showed little enthusiasm for registration were met with a response that Jannat-ul-Farhad was not aware of such claims.
