The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman can register as a voter and contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election even while staying abroad—provided he meets all legal requirements.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin announced the election schedule on Thursday (11 December), confirming 12 February as the polling date. Following the announcement, questions were raised about Tarique Rahman’s eligibility to participate in the election from abroad.
According to the EC, the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Constitution, and the Voter List Act allow any eligible Bangladeshi citizen to be included as a voter and run for office unless they violate the conditions mentioned in the law.
Therefore, Tarique Rahman may become a candidate if he is registered as a voter by 29 December and submits his nomination papers within the stipulated time.
Law Allows Overseas Bangladeshis to Register as Voters
Under Rule 11(10) of the Voter List Rules, Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad may apply for voter registration by submitting Form-2 to a registration officer in Bangladesh or at a foreign mission, or by applying online.
Additionally, Section 15 of the Voter List Act empowers the Commission to enroll any eligible individual at any time.
EC officials confirmed that voter registration is currently ongoing at the Bangladesh High Commission in the United Kingdom. This means Tarique Rahman can register as a voter from London without any legal hindrance.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed noted, “The law gives the Commission this authority. If he becomes a voter before the nomination deadline, there will be no barrier for him.”
Eligibility and Disqualifications for Contesting the Election
As per the schedule, 29 December is the last date for submitting nomination papers.
The Representation of the People Order (RPO) states:
- A candidate may submit nomination papers personally, or through a proposer or supporter.
- Physical presence in Bangladesh is not mandatory.
- Nomination papers may also be submitted through postal mail or a representative.
Under Article 66 of the Constitution, a person is eligible to contest if:
- They are a Bangladeshi citizen
- They are at least 25 years old
A person becomes disqualified if they:
- Are declared mentally unfit by a court
- Are a fugitive or absconding accused
- Have accepted foreign citizenship or declared allegiance to another state
- Were convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude with a sentence of two years or more, and five years have not passed since release
- Were convicted under the 1972 Collaborators Order
- Hold any office of profit under the Republic
EC officials further clarified that if Tarique Rahman has not taken British citizenship, he retains the right to register as a voter and run for office. Nomination papers can be signed in London and submitted through an authorized representative.
BNP’s Response
Amid discussions over whether Tarique Rahman will participate from abroad, BNP leaders claim he may return to Bangladesh soon.
Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said, “Tarique Rahman will return home and complete his voter registration. There will be no complications regarding the timeline.”
Key Election Dates
- Deadline for nomination submission: 29 December
- Scrutiny of nomination papers: 30 December – 4 January
- Last date for appeals: 11 January
- Appeal disposal: 12–18 January
- Last date for withdrawal: 20 January
- Symbol allocation: 21 January
- Campaign period: 22 January – 10 February (until 7:30 AM)
