NID Services to Remain Under Election Commission
NID Services to Remain Under Election Commission. The National Identity Card (NID) services will continue to operate under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission (EC), as per the interim cabinet’s recent approval. This decision reverses the earlier move to transfer NID operations to the Ministry of Home Affairs and reflects a significant step toward maintaining the Election Commission’s autonomy in managing critical identity services.
Cabinet Approval
On Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin announced the cabinet’s approval of the Election Commission’s proposal to retain control over NID services.
Speaking at an event in the Election Building, he expressed satisfaction over the quick turnaround, saying, “We had sent it [Wednesday], and it has been approved today.” This marks one of the fastest approvals by the cabinet, highlighting the urgency and importance of the matter.
Repealing the National Identity Registration Act, 2023
The interim government will now issue an ordinance to repeal the National Identity Registration Act, 2023, which had initially transferred NID services to the Public Security Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The act’s repeal will reinstate the previous law, ensuring that the Election Commission retains its authority over the National Identity Card system.
Election Commission officials confirmed that the transfer process had not been finalized, and operations remained under their control, despite the earlier legislation. The interim cabinet’s decision aligns with public sentiment and demands from civil society and policymakers to keep the NID services within the EC.
Recommendations for Electoral Integrity
During the event, Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election Reform Commission, presented key recommendations to strengthen electoral integrity. He emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to empower the Election Commission, prevent corruption, and ensure that individuals with criminal records or involvement in crimes against humanity cannot contest elections.
Additionally, surveys conducted by the Election Reform Commission revealed that 90% of the public supports holding local government elections before parliamentary elections, reinforcing the demand for grassroots democracy.
CEC’s Perspective on NID Transfer
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin criticized the previous move to transfer NID services to the Ministry of Home Affairs, noting that he first learned about it through media reports. He remarked, “As a senior citizen of the country, I then thought that it was not being done for any noble purpose.” His statement underscores concerns about potential misuse of NID services if shifted away from the EC’s oversight.
Public and Civil Society’s Role in the Decision
The decision to retain NID services under the EC reflects widespread public and civil society advocacy. Following the collapse of the previous Awami League government, advisors to the interim government and civil society groups voiced their preference for the Election Commission to continue managing the NID system.
Conclusion
The decision to keep NID services under the Election Commission is a victory for electoral transparency and institutional integrity. By repealing the National Identity Registration Act, 2023, the government has reaffirmed the EC’s central role in managing identity systems, which are critical for fair and credible elections.
Moving forward, the implementation of the Election Reform Commission’s recommendations will be essential to safeguarding democracy and ensuring a corruption-free electoral process.
