EC Secretary Sets Deadline for NID Revision

EC Secretary Sets Deadline for NID Revision. The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has set a firm deadline for the correction of National Identity Cards (NID). EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has directed that all pending NID correction applications must be resolved by June 2025. This initiative aims to streamline the identification process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the national database.

Significance of NID Corrections

The National Identity Card (NID) serves as an essential document for citizens of Bangladesh, required for various official transactions, including voting, banking, and government services. Errors in NID data can cause significant inconvenience, making timely correction crucial.

Pending NID Correction Applications

According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2024, a total of 378,000 NID correction applications were recorded. Of these, 98,044 applications were processed through a crash program. Additionally, between January 1 and March 16, 2025, 302,266 new applications were submitted, out of which 179,926 applications have been resolved, leaving a substantial number still pending.

Current Status of NID Applications

The Election Commission has reported that as of March 16, 2025, 402,308 applications remain unresolved since 2011. To address this backlog, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has instructed the NID Division Director General, ASM Humayun Kabir, to take immediate measures to clear all pending requests by the set deadline.

EC Strategic Measures to Expedite NID Revisions

To ensure the timely resolution of NID correction applications, the Election Commission has implemented several strategies:

• Crash Programs: Special initiatives to fast-track the processing of correction applications.
• Digitization of Records: Enhancing the database system to facilitate faster verification and updates.
• Deployment of Additional Staff: Allocating more personnel to handle the high volume of applications efficiently.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Informing citizens about the importance of timely application submissions and the required documentation.

How Citizens Can Apply for NID Corrections

For individuals who need to correct their NID information, the process involves the following steps:

1. Online Application: Visit the official EC website and fill out the correction form.
2. Submission of Documents: Provide necessary supporting documents, such as birth certificates or other government-issued IDs.
3. Verification Process: The EC verifies the submitted information before making corrections.
4. Approval and Issuance: Once approved, the updated NID is issued to the applicant.

Challenges in NID Correction Processing

Despite the EC’s proactive approach, several challenges remain:

• High Volume of Applications: The backlog of over 400,000 applications demands an accelerated workflow.
• Technical Glitches: System inefficiencies and technical difficulties can delay the process.
• Public Awareness Issues: Many citizens remain unaware of the correct procedure for NID corrections.

Deadline and Compliance

The Election Commission has urged applicants with pending NID correction requests to ensure that they submit the required documents before the deadline. The June 2025 target is non-negotiable, and failure to comply may result in further delays in document processing.

Conclusion

The directive issued by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed emphasizes the importance of an accurate and up-to-date National Identity system. The initiative to clear the backlog of pending applications demonstrates the EC’s commitment to improving administrative efficiency and citizen services. As the deadline approaches, applicants must ensure their documents are in order to benefit from a streamlined NID correction process.