Dhaka, Jan. 27 -- As Bangladesh prepares for the February 12 general election and referendum, the Election Commission's newly introduced IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system has raised hopes for voters away from their constituencies, but journalists covering polls outside their home areas are once again set to miss the opportunity to vote.

Following three consecutive controversial elections, the Election Commission has, for the first time, introduced postal voting for expatriate Bangladeshis and selected groups within the country.

The system applies to government officials, bankers, officials engaged in election duties and voters in legal custody who cannot stay in their constituencies on polling day.

Journalists, however, have ...