Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

As Bangladesh’s democracy evolves, ensuring equitable voting rights and removing bureaucratic obstacles are critical steps in building a fully participatory and inclusive political system. While voter turnout remains relatively high, and elections are widely celebrated as key democratic events, many eligible people face significant challenges in accessing their right to vote. These challenges are not always overt; they often stem from bureaucratic processes, social biases, and systemic barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities, the urban poor, and recently released prisoners.

Inspired by the research of Ariel White, Associate Professor of Political Science at MIT, who examines voting rights, race, the criminal legal system, and bureaucratic behavior, this article explores how Bangladesh can improve voter accessibility and democratic participation by addressing the barriers embedded within its voting and bureaucratic systems. White’s research, which focuses on how people’s interactions with government shape their political engagement, sheds light on the ways punitive policies and bureaucratic systems can exclude people from participating in political life. For instance, her work on how incarceration and immigration enforcement impact voter participation is highly relevant to Bangladesh’s context. Bangladesh has its own unique social and bureaucratic challenges that create barriers to voting for specific populations. By analyzing these challenges, we can identify opportunities for reform that will help foster a more inclusive democracy.

The first reason to voting in Bangladesh is the complexity of the voter registration process-- although the country has made efforts to digitize its National Identification (NID) system, which is linked to voter registration, many people (especially people with shorter knowledge on computer literacy) still face difficulties in registering to vote. Registration often requires multiple visits to government offices, extensive paperwork, and familiarity with digital systems. Some people lack. For those who move frequently, such as migrant laborers, updating their information can be challenging. Simplifying the registration process and making it more accessible may significantly improve voter turnout.

A potential solution is to introduce mobile registration units. It will help people register without needing to travel to distant administrative centers or polling centers ( the USA and other countries use this system). Similar initiatives have been successful in other countries. In Bangladesh, mobile units might be equipped with biometric scanners, allowing on-the-spot registration. It for people without NIDs. The government, by this way, can ensure that even the most marginalized communities have the opportunity to register and exercise their voting rights. Another bureaucratic barrier to voting in Bangladesh is the lack of voter education. People who move or experience changes in their personal information (such as name or marital status, girls/women face mainly) often face hurdles in ensuring their voter information is accurate. Thus, discrepancies between NID details and voting records can lead to exclusion from voting rolls. Therefore, increasing public awareness about the importance of updating voter information, as well as streamlining the process for making these changes, can prevent or at least can mitigate such bureaucratic barriers.

Tackling Social Biases and Marginalization in the Voting Process

White’s research on how local election officials may treat constituents differently based on ethnicity is particularly relevant to Bangladesh, a country with a rich tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity. Certain minority communities in Bangladesh, including indigenous groups, Biharis, and Rohingya refugees, face distinct challenges in accessing their voting rights. Although Bangladesh’s electoral laws technically grant equal voting rights to all people, discriminatory practices and social biases can hinder these communities’ ability to participate fully in the political process. For instance, members of indigenous communities often face difficulties in obtaining NIDs due to bureaucratic hurdles and biases within local administrative offices. Without an NID, they are unable to register to vote, effectively excluding them from the democratic process. Additionally, officials may delay or deny registration based on ethnic background, perpetuating a cycle of political exclusion. Addressing these biases requires both structural reforms and active efforts to promote inclusivity within administrative practices. One approach could be to implement diversity training for election officials, focusing on cultural sensitivity and the importance of equal access to voting rights. This training could help mitigate unconscious biases and ensure that all people are treated fairly in their interactions with government offices. Also, marginalized groups often face discrimination on Election Day itself, as polling stations may be located in areas that are difficult to access or feel unsafe for minority communities. In some instances, members of these communities may experience harassment or intimidation from other voters or even election officials, deterring them from casting their ballots. To address this, the government could designate specific polling stations as “safe zones” for minority communities, ensuring that they have equal and secure access to vote. Additionally, deploying monitors from both domestic and international organizations could help prevent discriminatory practices and foster a more inclusive voting environment.

Reintegration of Recently Released Prisoners into the Political Process

White’s work on the impact of punitive government policies on voting rights highlights another key issue that is relevant to Bangladesh: the reintegration of recently released prisoners into society and the political system. In Bangladesh, prisoners who have served their sentences often face difficulties in re-establishing their civic rights, including their right to vote. Although they are technically allowed to vote, the stigma associated with incarceration, combined with bureaucratic hurdles, often results in their exclusion from the voting process. Many former prisoners face challenges in updating their NID status or re-registering to vote. As a result, leaving them disenfranchised even after they have served their time. To address this issue, Bangladesh needs to implement programs that facilitate the reintegration of former prisoners into civic life including assistance with voter registration. For example, upon release, former prisoners might be provided with information on how to update their voter registration and reclaim their voting rights. This could be accompanied by support services that help them navigate the bureaucratic process, ensuring they do not encounter obstacles to full participation in political life. Additionally, local government offices can establish partnerships with community organizations that assist former prisoners. Removing these barriers is a matter of fairness. It is also an investment in social stability and democratic inclusivity. When individuals are excluded from voting due to past incarceration, they may feel disconnected from society and lack motivation to reintegrate, creates an extra burden. Providing a pathway back into political life can foster a sense of belonging and encourage former prisoners to become active. By ensuring that all people, including those with past criminal records, have access to their voting rights, Bangladesh can strengthen its democratic fabric and create a more inclusive society ( it should be, since Bangladesh a signatory member of the UDHR 1948).

Empowering People through Civic Education and Outreach

In addition to removing bureaucratic and social barriers, Bangladesh can take proactive steps to empower people through civic education and outreach programs. Many people in Bangladesh, particularly in rural areas, are not fully aware of their voting rights or the importance of participating in elections. Lack of awareness can result in lower turnout rates and limit the political influence of certain communities. By implementing civic education programs that focus on the importance of voting and the practical steps involved, Bangladesh can foster a more informed and engaged electorate. Civic education initiatives could be incorporated into school curriculums, community centers, and even religious institutions, reaching people across a range of settings. For instance, the government could collaborate with NGOs and civil society organizations to conduct workshops on voting rights and the electoral process. These workshops could provide practical information on how to register to vote, update personal information, and navigate any bureaucratic challenges that may arise. Additionally, mobile outreach programs could be deployed to rural and remote areas, ensuring that all people, regardless of location, have access to information on their rights and the voting process. Another effective approach would be to utilize media, including radio, television, and social media, to reach a broader audience. In Bangladesh, where literacy rates vary, radio remains a powerful medium for reaching rural populations. Broadcasting informative programs about voting rights and the importance of civic engagement can help raise awareness and encourage voter participation. Social media platforms can also be leveraged to target younger audiences, many of whom may be first-time voters. By using a combination of traditional and digital media, Bangladesh can create a comprehensive civic education campaign that reaches people from all backgrounds.

Building a Transparent and Accountable Electoral System

Finally, ensuring fair and transparent elections is essential for fostering trust in the electoral process and encouraging participation. Electoral transparency is a key factor in preventing disenfranchisement and building confidence in the democratic system. Bangladesh has made progress in this regard, with initiatives aimed at improving the integrity of its elections. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in terms of ensuring that all people have equal access to vote and are not deterred by bureaucratic or social barriers. One way to enhance transparency is to introduce technology that can streamline the voting process and reduce the potential for errors or manipulation. For example, electronic voting systems, used in many countries around the world, can simplify the voting process and increase accessibility for all people. Implementing electronic voting machines (EVMs) in select polling stations could be a pilot step toward a more efficient and reliable voting system.

Additionally, training election officials on the importance of impartiality and accountability can foster an environment of trust and ensure that every citizen’s vote is counted fairly. Bangladesh may also benefit from the involvement of independent election monitoring organizations, both domestic and international. Election monitors play a crucial role in ensuring that the electoral process is conducted fairly and that any irregularities are identified and addressed promptly. By inviting these monitors to observe the voting process, Bangladesh can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, reinforcing the public’s trust in its democracy. Overall, creating an inclusive democracy in Bangladesh requires more than just expanding voting rights on paper; it demands active efforts to remove bureaucratic, social, and systemic barriers that prevent full participation. By streamlining voter registration processes, addressing biases against marginalized communities, supporting former prisoners in reclaiming their voting rights, and investing in civic education, Bangladesh can strengthen its democratic foundation. Inspired by the research of Professor Ariel White, who examines how governmental interactions shape political engagement, Bangladesh has the opportunity to build a democratic system that serves all people equally. Through these reforms, Bangladesh can work toward a future where every citizen, regardless of background, has the power to make their voice heard and contribute to the nation’s progress.

The writer is a, seasoned feature article writer, contributing engaging insights to both national and international news platforms.