Almost 38,000 Bangladeshis with residence permits live in the Rome metropolitan area — 19.4% of the whole community in Italy. Many live in Tor Pignattara, in the eastern suburbs, where markets, restaurants and shops recall those of Dhaka. In the days before the 12 February vote, the neighbourhood became a place of debate.
“Now we count too”
For the first time citizens living abroad could vote, using an app whose home screen carries the slogan “Your Vote, Your Right”. Interviewed by L’Espresso, residents expressed very different views on the 2024 revolution and the parties running: some trusted the interim government, others criticised it for insecurity, others backed the BNP. Some women said they had been unable to vote because of administrative problems with registration.
The concerns
Among the issues most cited were security — especially for women, children and religious minorities — the low number of women candidates (under 5%), education and agriculture. A cultural mediator recalled attacks against the Hindu minority after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
A community that takes part
Beyond political divisions, the vote showed an informed and engaged community that lives in Italy but still feels part of Bangladesh’s future. In the end, more than 14,000 postal votes were cast from Italy.
