EC Issues New Directive On Categories In NID Correction Applications
EC Issues New Directive On Categories In NID Correction Applications. The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has recently introduced new guidelines for correcting National Identity Cards (NID), specifically targeting applications rejected during the recent ‘Crush Program’. These updated instructions aim to ensure transparency and fair resolution of NID correction requests, especially for applicants whose submissions were previously denied due to procedural inconsistencies.
What Is the New NID Correction Directive?
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Assistant Director of the National Identity Registration Division, Md. Sarwar Hossain, issued an official letter to all additional regional election officers, outlining the new process. The directive mandates that:
- Five categories of NID correction applications rejected during the Crush Program can now be re-applied under their original category.
- The correction process must be completed by August 31, 2025.
- No upgraded categorization is required for these re-submissions.
- The earlier decision by the concerned officer, which was not properly recorded, will now be honored.
Background of the Crush Program
The EC conducted a special “Crush Program” from December 29, 2024, to June 30, 2025, to clear a large backlog of NID correction applications. During this period:
- A massive volume of applications was processed.
- Five lakh NID correction applications were submitted in just four and a half months.
- Several applications were rejected due to technical errors, incomplete data, or lack of officer review.
Reasons for Rejection During the Crush Program
The EC highlighted that the rejection of applications occurred due to the following reasons:
| Rejection Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Officer Decision Not Reflected | Final decision not updated in the system |
| Incomplete Supporting Documents | Missing papers like birth certificate, educational docs |
| Incorrect Data Entry | Manual input errors during the verification process |
| Misclassification of Application Category | Applications placed in wrong correction level |
| Processing Delays and Technical Glitches | System lag and server errors interrupted application progress |
What Does the New Directive Mean for Applicants?
If your NID correction application was rejected during the Crush Program, you now have a second chance to apply:
- Submit a fresh application using the same details and documents.
- Your application will be processed under the original category (the one it was rejected from).
- You do not need to follow the upgraded or new category rules.
- Ensure your documents are complete and updated before re-submission.
EC’s Clear Instruction to Officials
The EC instructed all officials to strictly follow the updated classification process. Any reapplication under the five rejected categories must:
- Be processed as per the original classification.
- Be resolved within the stipulated deadline of August 31, 2025.
- Avoid unnecessary complications or delays in the process.
Simultaneous ACC Raids Raise Questions
In a related development, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched simultaneous raids in 13 district election offices to inspect irregularities in NID processing. This move is seen as an attempt to:
- Detect any corruption linked to NID issuance and correction.
- Ensure accountability within the National Identity Registration Division.
Who Needs NID and How to Get It?
The National Identity Card is mandatory for all Bangladeshi citizens aged 18 and above. To apply or correct your NID:
- Visit your nearest election office or access the EC’s official NID portal.
- Fill the online correction form or collect it from your local office.
- Attach all necessary documents (e.g., birth certificate, SSC certificate, utility bill, etc.).
- Submit before the August 31, 2025 deadline if your earlier application was rejected.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s revised NID correction guidelines 2025 provide a lifeline for those whose applications were unfairly rejected during the Crush Program. With over 500,000 applications already submitted, this move is expected to reduce public suffering, restore trust, and bring more transparency into the national identity system.
