BANGLADESH has emerged as an important source of global migrants, with millions seeking improved opportunities and a more secure socio-economic future abroad. The majority of them migrate as temporary workers to the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries while others move as students, skilled professionals or asylum seekers to developed and high-income countries.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training, from 1976 to October 2023, about 15.86 million individuals received BMET clearance to work overseas. However, the actual number of Bangladeshis living abroad varies depending on the source. The 2022 Population and Housing Census estimates that around five million Bangladeshi migrants reside abroad. Meanwhile, the International Organisation for Migration鈥檚听World Migration Report 2022听ranks Bangladesh as the sixth-largest migrant-sending country globally, with more than 7.4 million citizens 鈥� roughly 4.4 per cent of the total population 鈥� living overseas.
Yet, there is considerable inconsistency regarding the accurate number of Bangladeshi migrants now employed or living abroad. The statistics primarily account for contractual, short-term, unskilled or semi-skilled workers. They often exclude students, skilled professionals and individuals on other types of visas who eventually settle abroad.
Moreover, a substantial yet undocumented number of Bangladeshis migrate through unofficial or irregular channels. These individuals are typically absent from official government records, further obscuring the scale of Bangladeshi migration.
Migrants play a vital role in driving Bangladesh鈥檚 development, with remittances serving as one of the most powerful contributors to economic progress. According to Bangladesh Bank data, from July to February of the 2024鈥�2025 financial year, Bangladesh received $18.5 billion in remittances through official channels. In comparison, the total remittance for the 2023鈥�2024 financial year stood at about $24 billion.
Bangladeshi migrants continue to make significant contributions to the economy through their labour, skills and entrepreneurial ventures. Their efforts not only enhance economic growth but also promote social stability and strengthen support for democratic institutions.
These migrants are actively engaged in the civic life of the countries where they live and work. They participate in politics, policy process, voting, decision-making, community actions and advocacy, helping to promote inclusiveness and democratic development in their host nations. By contributing to governance and community-building efforts, migrants play a vital role in fostering social cohesion and democratic resilience. Their involvement in civic activities not only benefits their host countries but also enriches their own experiences and the sense of belonging. Furthermore, the skills and knowledge that they gain through these engagements are invaluable, potentially leading to innovative ideas and practices that can further strengthen democratic processes and institutions at home.
Their strong sense of engagement can also enrich Bangladesh鈥檚 own social and political landscape. Through active advocacy and connection to global democratic values, migrants help foster a more inclusive, equitable and resilient society at home. Their voices are essential in strengthening democratic values and in building a stronger, representative and participatory government and governance in Bangladesh.
The efforts by existing policymakers to include migrants in Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic activities are promising. It is encouraging that Bangladesh鈥檚 Election Commission is considering the introduction of voting options to enable migrant Bangladeshis to exercise their voting rights in the next national election. This initiative will undoubtedly enhance democratic practices, political system and governance. By allowing migrants to participate in elections, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognised. This move will not only strengthen the democratic process but also raise a sense of belonging and engagement among migrant communities. It is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative democracy in Bangladesh.
The Election Commission is conducting workshops and forming committees to make progress in this matter. However, instead of the traditional top-down approach, the commission should adopt a bottom-up approach and consult with migrant voters about their preferences and how they wish to vote. The July鈥揂ugust uprising established the spirit of the people鈥檚 republic. However, the commission鈥檚 working pattern remains undemocratic. Bangladesh has high commissions and consulate offices in different countries and the Election Commission can easily reach out to migrants for consultation, which will enhance the democratic process.
The commission is considering introducing three voting options: postal ballot, online voting and proxy voting. Each option has its pros and cons and we should decide by critically analysing and considering our political practices and community expectations.
A postal ballot is a good system, but it is outdated. While we are in the process of digitalising everything, we are putting ourselves in an old-fashioned system. Additionally, there are risks of lost mails, delayed results, fraud concerns, delivery issues and questions of authenticity, which are expensive and time-consuming.
Proxy voting, by delegating voting power to a representative, is a complicated and untrustworthy method. It lacks quality decision-making, can result in fraud regarding voter鈥檚 true preferences, can be abused, leads to poor engagement and involves complex verification.
Comparing the three voting systems, online voting is an effective way to ensure migrant voting rights. Voters can cast their ballots from anywhere, making it easy for people living abroad with busy schedules and complex work-life balances. It can lead to higher voting rates, provide faster results, minimise the risk of fraud, ensure more accurate results and be cost-effective, quick, and environmentally friendly.
Whatever system we adopt, it is essential to avoid an autocratic, centralised decision-making process. Instead, the commission should consult with the migrant communities and possibly form working groups that include migrants from various countries. The commission should ensure that the opinions of important stakeholders are incorporated into the decision-making process. By doing so, we can create a more democratic and inclusive system that values diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach not only promotes fairness and equity but also enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of the decisions made. Engaging migrants and other stakeholders will help build a more resilient and expressive governance structure.
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Dr Khandakar Al Farid Uddin is an academic and researcher with the geography and urban studies discipline at the school of social sciences in Western Sydney University, Australia.
