EC considers easing NID correction rules for expatriates

The Election Commission (EC) is considering allowing Bangladeshi expatriates to correct their National Identity Card (NID) information using documents such as passports and inheritance certificates, without requiring educational certificates.

EC officials said the proposal is still under discussion and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) may be revised if the decision is approved.

Under the proposed system, an expatriate’s passport would be considered a primary document for NID corrections. An inheritance certificate, listing the NIDs of family members, could be used for correcting dates of birth.

Other supporting documents may include overseas job IDs, residence cards, BMET cards, visa papers and driving licences. Passport visa stamps and immigration records may also be checked to verify an applicant’s status as a genuine expatriate and prevent misuse of the process.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the commission was working to make NID services easier and faster for citizens.

The EC currently provides voter registration and NID services at 24 stations across 14 countries. It is also preparing to launch the services in Sweden, Bahrain, Singapore, Norway and Finland.

SKS