The Election Commission (EC) is planning to make the renewal of Bangladesh's National Identity Cards (NIDs) mandatory after 15 years.
Current laws and regulations allow cardholders to renew their NIDs but renewal is not compulsory.
According to EC sources, mandatory renewal is being considered to improve the accuracy of identity verification.
EC officials said over a 15-year period, a person's facial features, fingerprints, and other biometric data may change. In some cases, individuals may also undergo gender reassignment surgery. These changes can make it difficult to verify identities using outdated information. As a result, the Commission believes that NIDs should be updated periodically.
According to EC officials, a person's facial features, fingerprints, and other biometric data may change over a period of 15 years. Some individuals may also undergo gender reassignment surgery. As a result, verifying identities using outdated information can become increasingly difficult. The Commission therefore believes that NID should be updated at regular intervals to ensure accurate identity verification.
Under the National Identity Registration Act, 2010, an NID remains valid for 15 years from the date of issuance.
The law also allows cardholders to apply for renewal before or after the card expires by following the prescribed procedure and paying the required fee.
According to the National Identity Registration Rules, applications for NID renewal can be submitted either in person or online through the Election Commission's website. Applicants may choose between a regular or an urgent service after paying the applicable fee. Under the current rules, urgent applications are processed within seven days, while regular applications are completed within 30 days. The renewal fee is Tk 100 for regular service and Tk 150 for urgent service.
Speaking on the matter, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that the option to renew an NID has long been available. Citizens may apply for a new card at any time, particularly if their existing card has been lost or damaged.
Currently, the fee for reissuing a lost or damaged NID is Tk 200 for a regular application and Tk 300 for an urgent application for the first reissue. For the second reissue, the fees are Tk 300 (regular) and Tk 500 (urgent). From the third reissue onward, the fees increase to Tk 500 for regular service and Tk 1,000 for urgent service.
NID Wing Director General AHM Anwar Pasha said the proposal to make NID renewal mandatory after 15 years is still under review, and no final decision has yet been made.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
