Tarique Rahman likely to return mid-Dec, EC clarifies voter registration rules

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman is expected to return home in mid-December, party sources said. Upon his arrival, he will register as a voter, they added.

Sources said Tarique, who has been in exile in London since 2008, is not required to register as a voter before the election schedule is announced. However, he must complete voter registration before submitting nomination papers.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar told state media: "Any adult missing from the voter list can register at any time. But those who turned 18 by 31 October and were left out cannot register."

He added: "For those above that age, EC will provide opportunities. We will publish a supplementary voter list for the relevant area. Any candidate must be a registered voter before filing nomination."

Tarique and his wife Dr Zobaida Rahman have been living in London since 2008. During the caretaker government's photo-based voter list drive that year, Zobaida returned and registered as a voter after 5 August 2024. Tarique, however, has not yet applied for voter registration.

Party insiders said Tarique will register immediately upon his return. "He has to be a voter to contest elections," one source noted.