5 Lakh Applications in Four Months for NID Correction
5 Lakh Applications in Four Months for NID Correction. Recently, NID correction in Bangladesh has emerged as a major issue affecting millions of citizens. According to official reports, more than five lakh people have applied for NID card corrections within a short span of just four and a half months. The Election Commission (EC), which oversees the management and distribution of National Identity Cards in Bangladesh, is facing immense pressure as the number of pending and new NID applications continues to climb.
Massive Volume of NID Correction Applications
As per a report released on May 27, prepared by Md. Saiful Islam, the Director of Operations at the EC’s NID Wing, a total of 571,197 NID applications were processed during this period. Despite this impressive number, 309,593 applications are still pending at various stages of verification and processing.
Before the launch of the crash program on January 1, there were already 378,836 unresolved applications. During the next few months, an additional 519,954 fresh applications were received, taking the total to nearly nine lakh requests for either new cards or NID card updates.
Age Corrections Top the List
The EC processes NID correction requests in six different categories, depending on the nature of the issue. These categories allow the department to prioritize and handle the complexities involved in NID verification.
Here is a summary of the pending applications by category:
| Category | Nature of Correction | Pending Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Category C | Age-related corrections | 140,316 |
| Category A-1 | Basic information updates | 2,028 |
| Other | Name, address, photo, etc. | Remaining applications |
The highest number of pending NID applications belongs to Category C, which involves age correction, a common problem that often leads to complications in education, job applications, and travel. The lowest number of applications, only 2,028, fall under Category A-1, which typically includes minor errors such as name spelling or photo updates.
Official Statements from the Election Commission
Crash Program to Address Backlog
In response to the overwhelming volume of applications, SM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the NID Division, acknowledged the backlog and emphasized that the commission has launched a crash program to speed up the disposal process. He stated:
“We have undertaken a crash program. I hope everything will be resolved soon.”
The aim of the crash program is to bring down the pending cases significantly by dedicating extra manpower and technological resources to streamline the NID card correction process.
EC Secretary Highlights Verification Challenges
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed also addressed the issue, noting that while many applications are genuine, some individuals attempt to manipulate their NID data for malicious purposes, such as applying for multiple benefits or creating fake identities.
“There are complications in the disposal of NID applications. Some people apply to correct real mistakes, but others try to change information for wrong intentions. So, every application must go through a verification process, which takes time. However, the pace of work has increased, and we are hopeful it will improve even more.”
Why So Many Citizens Are Requesting NID Corrections
Common Reasons for NID Correction in Bangladesh
The rise in NID correction applications is driven by a range of issues affecting citizens. Some of the most frequent reasons include:
- Incorrect date of birth
- Spelling errors in names
- Incorrect address information
- Blurred or outdated photos
- Gender mismatch
- Duplication of NID data
- Changes due to marriage or divorce
Impact on Citizens
An inaccurate National Identity Card can have serious consequences. It affects one’s ability to:
- Open bank accounts
- Apply for passports or visas
- Register for government services
- Enroll in universities
- Seek employment in both local and overseas job markets
Given these real-life implications, many citizens are now keen on ensuring their NID information is up to date and accurate.
Role of the Election Commission and the NID Server
Bangladesh’s Election Commission maintains a digital database of approximately 12 crore (120 million) voters. This massive server hosts critical biometric and demographic data of Bangladeshi citizens. When a citizen applies for a NID correction, the EC’s officials must carefully verify this information to prevent errors and misuse.
However, the large number of pending applications indicates a serious operational bottleneck in the system. Many applications have been reportedly stuck for weeks, even months, due to the lack of personnel and complex procedures required for approval.
What Citizens Can Expect
While the crash program has helped improve processing rates, the Bangladesh Election Commission still faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for NID updates. There is a need for:
- More efficient digital tools to cross-verify data
- Increased manpower and training
- Transparency in the status-tracking process
- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on proper application procedures
The authorities have promised faster services and fewer delays, and it remains to be seen how soon the backlogs can be cleared.
NID Applicants in Bangladesh
- Always double-check your information before submitting an NID application.
- Use the official Election Commission website or local NID offices for assistance.
- Be patient but stay informed by regularly checking your application status online.
- Avoid submitting false or misleading information, as it can delay or permanently disqualify your request.
Conclusion
The ongoing surge in NID correction applications in Bangladesh highlights the critical need for systematic reforms in the management of identity data. With over five lakh applications in just four and a half months, the pressure on the Election Commission is immense. However, the launch of a crash program, along with increased digital efficiency, provides hope for a faster and more transparent process in the near future.
