Images of completed postal ballots shared by Bangladeshi expatriates on social media are raising serious concerns among election authorities and civil society groups ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and national referendum on February 12. The Election Commission (EC) has reiterated that posting photos or videos of ballots online is a punishable offence under election law and promised to take legal action against violators.
Postal Voting Expanded
The distribution of postal ballots to overseas voters began on December 20 and was completed within nearly three weeks for all registered expatriates, according to the EC. This year, the postal voting system-under the 'Postal Vote BD' platform-has been significantly expanded to include overseas Bangladeshis, government employees working outside their constituencies, election officials, and others.
Secrecy at Risk
Despite repeated warnings, images of partial and completed ballots have circulated on platforms including Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and other networks, causing alarm at a critical time in the election cycle. EC officials emphasize that protecting the secrecy of postal votes is both a right and a responsibility.
"Refrain from making any such posts or shares, otherwise your National Identity Card may be blocked and other legal actions may be taken," the EC said in a statement issued on January 3.
Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker stressed that legal prosecution could follow if identifiable individuals are found to have shared ballot images. "If a voter fails to uphold the confidentiality of their postal vote, their NID may be blocked, and criminal cases can be filed if necessary," he warned.
Public Confidence and Electoral Integrity
Observers and legal analysts highlight that sharing ballot photos undermines public confidence in the electoral process. "The integrity of the voting process rests on voters being confident that their choices remain private," said an election observer requesting anonymity. "When ballot photos are shared online, that confidence is compromised."
EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mallik added, "This is definitely a punishable offence. Anyone promoting images of votes cast on social media will face action. Our monitoring team is constantly observing the situation, and complaints can be filed if there is concrete evidence."
Professor Dr. Samsul Alam of Jahangirnagar University warned that sharing postal ballot images could be used to sway voters. "Attempts to promote a specific party by posting images of marked ballots will certainly influence swing voters. This is a punishable offence, and the EC must monitor such actions immediately to maintain its neutrality," he said.
Voters Urged to Protect Ballot Secrecy
Civil society groups and legal experts are urging both the EC and social media companies to increase voter education and remove prohibited content swiftly. The Election Commission has appealed to voters to avoid posting any ballot-related photos or details online and stressed that secrecy is essential to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
