For Bangladeshi citizens living abroad or those unable to reach a polling station, exercising the right to vote has historically been a challenge. Postal Vote BD is the official mobile application developed by the Bangladesh Election Commission to streamline the entire postal voting process, from enrollment to tracking your ballot's journey. This secure and verified platform enables eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights conveniently from anywhere.
What is Postal Vote BD?
Postal Vote BD is a government service app designed to facilitate the postal voting process for eligible Bangladeshi voters. Its primary purpose is to allow voters, particularly non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), to register for postal voting, verify their identity, and track their postal ballot paper. The app serves as a digital bridge between the voter and the Election Commission, ensuring a more accessible and transparent electoral process.
Why Should You Use Postal Vote BD?
This application is essential for any eligible voter who wishes to participate in Bangladeshi elections but cannot be physically present at a designated polling station. It eliminates the need for complex manual registration and provides real-time updates on your ballot, offering peace of mind. Key advantages include its official status, a streamlined enrollment process, and enhanced transparency.
Key Features of Postal Vote BD
Enrollment & Registration: Begin the enrollment process directly from the app by providing your registered mobile number to create a secure profile.
Voter Enrollment: Complete verification through a secure eKYC process, followed by facial verification with liveness detection to confirm your identity.
Ballot Tracking: Track the delivery status of your postal ballot paper within the app to ensure its safe and timely arrival at your registered address.
Ballot Return Verification: Scan the QR code on your received ballot envelope using the app, complete a liveness check, and formally confirm your ballot's return for processing.
Additional Features
Official Security: As an official government application, it employs robust encryption and biometric verification to protect user data and ensure electoral integrity.
User Guidance: The app provides a structured, step-by-step workflow to guide users through each phase of the postal voting process, making it easy to follow.
How to Download and Install Postal Vote BD
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. In the search bar, type "Postal Vote BD" and press enter.
3. Locate the official app by the "Bangladesh Election Commission" and tap on it.
4. Tap the "Install" button to download and automatically install the application on your device.
How to Use Postal Vote BD
1. Open the Postal Vote BD app after installation.
2. Enter your registered Bangladeshi mobile number to initiate the enrollment process.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the eKYC and facial verification (liveness detection).
4. Provide your postal address for ballot delivery.
5. Once enrolled, use the tracking feature to monitor your ballot's status and scan its QR code upon receipt.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
Officially endorsed and developed by the Bangladesh Election Commission.
Significantly simplifies the traditionally complex postal vote application process.
Provides valuable transparency through real-time ballot tracking.
The user interface is straightforward and designed for a clear, guided experience.
Cons:
Functionality is exclusively for a very specific use case (postal voting in Bangladeshi elections).
Requires a stable internet connection and a smartphone with a good-quality camera for biometric verification.
Is Postal Vote BD Safe to Use?
Yes, Postal Vote BD is safe to use. It is the official application of the Bangladesh Election Commission. The app requires permissions for the camera (for facial verification and QR scanning) and possibly storage, which are necessary for its core functions. All personal data is handled with strict security protocols to ensure voter information remains confidential.
Compatible Apps or Tools
Postal Vote BD is a standalone tool for election purposes. It may integrate with official government databases for identity verification but does not require or directly interact with other third-party consumer applications.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to use Postal Vote BD?
A: The app is for eligible Bangladeshi voters, particularly non-resident citizens (NRBs) and others who qualify for postal voting as defined by the Election Commission.
Q: Do I still need to mail a physical ballot?
A: Yes. The app facilitates registration and tracking, but the actual vote is cast on a physical ballot paper sent to you via postal mail, which you must return.
Q: What if I don't have a Bangladeshi registered mobile number?
A: A registered mobile number is required for the initial enrollment and verification process within the app.
Q: Is the app available for iOS?
A: Currently, Postal Vote BD appears to be available only on the Android platform via the Google Play Store.
Conclusion
Postal Vote BD is a significant digital advancement for democratic participation in Bangladesh. It effectively modernizes the postal voting system, making it more accessible and transparent for citizens abroad. For its intended audience, this application is an indispensable and secure tool for ensuring their vote is counted. Eligible voters should download it from the official Play Store to get started.
