NID Services Should Remain Under EC
NID Services Should Remain Under EC. The National Identity Card (NID) registration services in Bangladesh have been a crucial part of citizen documentation, managed by the Election Commission (EC). Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, Akhtar Ahmed, recently emphasized that NID services should remain under the jurisdiction of the EC for better efficiency, security, and seamless service delivery.
“We believe that NID services should remain under the EC. If there are any structural concerns beyond this, I do not have any additional information on the matter,” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed while addressing the media at the Bangladesh Election Commission in Dhaka.
EC Expertise in Managing NID Services
The EC has been handling the NID registration process since 2007, ensuring the development and maintenance of a robust system. Over the years, the commission has gained significant technical expertise, making it the most competent authority to oversee and expand NID services.
“We have been developing this system for years, and our technical capabilities allow us to provide essential services while continuously improving them,” Akhtar Ahmed explained.
Since the existing system is well-established, creating an entirely new structure could lead to unnecessary complications, increased costs, and potential security risks. Instead, strengthening the current infrastructure would be a more practical approach to enhancing service delivery.
Ensuring Data Security in NID Services
One of the major concerns regarding NID services is data security. Given the sensitive nature of NID information, ensuring that it remains protected from unauthorized access is paramount. The EC Secretary assured that the Election Commission has robust security measures in place to safeguard citizen data.
“A total of 182 organizations access data from the EC, along with other government agencies. They rely on the EC because the data is secure and well-managed,” he stated.
The integrity of NID data is essential for national security, financial transactions, and digital identity verification. Any transition of NID management to another body might pose risks to data protection and confidentiality.
Protests by EC Officials and Employees
In response to the government’s potential decision to shift NID services, Election Commission officials and employees staged a peaceful protest. They expressed concerns that transferring these services elsewhere might lead to inefficiencies and compromise the existing secure system.
“Those who participated in the human chain are our colleagues. From their perspective, their demand is valid,” said the EC Secretary, acknowledging the concerns of his team.
When asked whether government employees have the right to protest against a government decision, he responded, “We do not want anyone to face difficulties. However, if there is a delay in resolving the issue, there must be a valid reason for it. Once that reason is addressed, there will be no further inconvenience.”
Future of NID Services in Bangladesh
The debate over whether NID services should remain under the Election Commission continues to gain traction. While the government may have its reasons for reconsidering the management of NID registration, the EC’s expertise, established infrastructure, and commitment to data security make a strong case for keeping the services under its control.
A well-maintained and secure NID system is essential for Bangladesh’s digital transformation, national security, and smooth electoral processes. Any changes to its management must be carefully evaluated to ensure that citizens continue to receive reliable and secure services.
Conclusion
The Election Commission has proven its capability in handling NID services efficiently since 2007. With extensive technical expertise, a secure database, and an established structure, the EC remains the best-suited entity to manage and expand NID services in Bangladesh. Any shift in authority should be critically analyzed to prevent disruptions, data security risks, and inefficiencies.
