How can expatriates get smart voter ID card in their hands After the announcement of the current government, new smart voter ID card distribution program has started in Bangladesh. The citizens living within the country as well as the expatriate Bangladeshis have been given the opportunity to get this smart ID card.
But many expatriates don’t know due to the lack of correct information—how, where and in which process they will collect smart voter ID cards. This blog post highlights the entire process of getting smart voter ID card for expatriates in simple language step by step.
How can expatriates get smart voter ID card in their hands
What is smart voter ID card: Smart voter ID card is a modern national identity card, with a special digital chip attached. Important data regarding a citizen’s identity, biometric data and national identity is safely preserved in this card. This is much safer and effective than previous laminated or normal NID cards.
Why will expatriates get smart voter ID card:
The aim of Bangladesh Government and Election Commission is to bring all eligible citizens living inside and outside the country under a modern and reliable national identity card.
Smart ID card is important for expatriates—
Identity proves benefits while living abroad.
It will be mandatory if the voting rights of the expatriate is introduced in the future.
Useful in banking, embassy and government services.
The complexity related to national identity decreases.
Who will get smart voter ID card as expatriates:
To get smart voter ID card as an expatriate—
Must be a citizen of Bangladesh.
You must be 18 years old or older.
Your name may have national ID number (old or new) or it must be reregistered.
How will expatriates apply for smart voter ID card:
The application process for expatriates is usually completed in three phases.
Step 1: Voter data verification or registration
It is verified first—whether you have been a voter before.
If you have been a voter in Bangladesh before, then your information will be in the database of the Election Commission.
If you haven’t been a voter before, you need to go into the process of registration for new voter as an expatriate.
The new voter hall takes your personal information, birth information, address and citizenship information.
Step 2: Biometric and photo giving
Biometric information is very important for smart voter ID card. This is why—
Expatriates have to attend Bangladesh Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in their own countries on a specific day
There’s your photos, fingerprints and necessary information taken.
In many cases, appointments need to be made early.
In countries where this facility is not permanently, the special team of the Election Commission goes to collect information at the stipulated time.
Step 3: Data verification and smart card ready
After biometric and data collection—
Your information is sent to the central server of the Election Commission in Bangladesh.
Smart voter ID card is prepared at the end of verification.
This process may take some time.
Your smart card is approved to be distributed when everything is okay.
How can expatriates get smart voter ID card in hand?
There are a few ways to deliver smart voter ID cards to expatriates—
1. Collection from embassy or mission
The most trendy method is—
Attending the concerned Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date.
Receiving smart ID card with own hands after verification of identity.
2. Collection while staying in the country
In some cases—
The expatriate came to the country.
You can collect smart cards from the sub-district or district election office of your area.
How can expatriates get smart voter ID card in their
3. Special distribution camp
If there are more expatriates in some countries—
Many cards are distributed together through special distribution camps.
How long does it take to get smart voter ID card?
Usually—
It may take 3 to 6 months after giving biometric.
Depends on the country, number of applicants and the time of administrative process.
What to do if the information is wrong?
If on smart ID card—
The spelling of the name.
Date of birth.
Parents name is wrong, then separate application for correction. New smart card is given after the correction is over.
Important advice
Provide all the information correctly when applying.
Please note the announcement and notice of the embassy regularly.
Keep passport and necessary papers on the day of giving biometric.
Wait patiently—cards must be given.
The conclusion:
Smart voter ID card is not just an ID card, it is a symbol of a citizen’s digital connection with the state. The process of getting this card is slowly becoming easier and widespread for the expatriate Bangladeshis. Expatriates can surely get smart voter ID card by following the correct rules and completing the application step by step.
