3 Lakh NID Correction Applications Are Pending
3 Lakh NID Correction Applications Are Pending. The National Identity Card (NID) is a fundamental document for every Bangladeshi citizen. From government services to financial institutions, the Bangladesh NID card plays a critical role in identity verification. However, as of May 27, 2025, more than three lakh applications for NID corrections are pending, creating widespread frustration among citizens.
Age correction accounts for the bulk of these applications, with each case involving varying degrees of complexity. This article takes an expert look at the reasons behind the backlog, the efforts being made to resolve it, and the categories into which these applications fall.
Current Status of NID Correction Applications
According to the report submitted by Md. Saiful Islam, NID Director (Operations) at the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), a staggering 399,593 NID correction applications are currently pending as of late May 2025. This backlog existed even after the launch of a crash program designed to streamline the correction process.
Let’s break down the statistics:
| Details | Count |
|---|---|
| Applications pending before Jan 1 | 378,836 |
| New applications submitted | 519,954 |
| Applications resolved | 571,197 |
| Pending applications (current) | 399,593 |
The figures indicate that while significant progress has been made in clearing the backlog, new applications continue to pour in at an even faster rate.
Categories of Application Complexity
The Bangladesh Election Commission classifies NID correction applications into six categories, depending on the level of complexity. This structured approach helps prioritize cases, but it also leads to bottlenecks in the more complex categories.
| Category | Description | Pending Cases |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Minor, straightforward corrections | 2,028 |
| C | Age correction (most complex) | 140,316 |
The highest number of applications falls under Category C, where applicants seek correction of age—often involving additional verification and sometimes suspicion of fraudulent intent.
Why Is There a Backlog?
The NID correction backlog is the result of several interconnected issues:
- High volume of error-prone applications: With over 120 million voters on the EC server, it’s natural for errors—both accidental and intentional—to creep in.
- Age correction requests: Many people apply to change their age on the NID to meet job or marriage eligibility, leading to complications.
- Fraudulent intentions: Some applicants attempt to manipulate their identity records, necessitating deep verification.
- Lack of manpower and resources: The EC faces limitations in staff and technological infrastructure, which slows down the processing time.
- Manual verification procedures: Despite digitization, many correction requests require manual investigation, adding delays.
What the Authorities Say?
SM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the NID Wing, stated:
“We have initiated a crash program and are determined to resolve the pending applications as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Akhtar Ahmed, Secretary of the Election Commission, highlighted both the progress and the challenges:
“The number of NID correction applications is huge, and verifying each case takes time. Many applications are genuine, but others are driven by dishonest intentions. Our team is carefully evaluating each one to ensure accuracy and integrity.”
Impact on Citizens
The delay in resolving NID correction applications affects millions of Bangladeshis in many critical ways:
- Banking and finance: Many banks require correct NID information for opening accounts or applying for loans.
- Government services: Access to social safety nets like allowances, pension schemes, and student stipends are blocked if NID information is incorrect.
- Passport and visa processing: An incorrect date of birth or name mismatch with the passport application can result in visa denial.
- Job opportunities: Applicants trying to meet age or qualification requirements are unable to proceed without corrected documents.
Steps Citizens Should Take
To avoid further delays and ensure faster processing of NID correction applications, citizens are advised to follow these steps:
- Submit valid documents: Always attach correct and authentic documents such as birth certificates or academic records for verification.
- Avoid multiple applications: Filing duplicate requests can further slow down the process.
- Be transparent: Avoid manipulating information for personal gain—it only adds scrutiny and prolongs the wait.
- Track application status: Regularly check your NID correction status online via the official EC portal.
Government’s Crash Program – Is It Working?
The crash program was introduced by the Election Commission Bangladesh to address the overwhelming backlog. Since its initiation:
- Over 571,197 applications have been cleared.
- The processing speed has improved compared to the previous year.
- However, new applications continue to flood the system.
The EC claims that more staff have been deployed and that the digital system is being improved to fast-track lower-complexity applications.
Long-Term Solutions
To prevent a similar crisis in the future, the following long-term measures must be considered:
- Enhanced digital infrastructure for faster and more secure processing.
- AI-powered verification systems are crucial for identifying fraudulent applications.
- Public awareness campaigns on how to correctly apply and the consequences of misinformation.
- We regularly train EC staff to adapt to evolving technology and policies.
Conclusion
The issue of three lakh pending NID correction applications in Bangladesh is not just a bureaucratic challenge—it’s a crisis affecting the everyday lives of millions. While the Election Commission of Bangladesh is making progress, there’s an urgent need to modernize processes and reduce verification delays. Citizens, too, must play their part by submitting genuine applications and avoiding any dishonest attempts to change vital information. By working together, both authorities and the public can ensure that the NID system becomes more efficient, transparent, and reliable for all.
