NID Correction Delays - Election Commission Struggles to Meet Targets

NID Correction Delays – Election Commission Struggles to Meet Targets. The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has failed to meet its promised three-month target for completing National Identity Card (NID) corrections. Initially, EC officials had assured that all pending correction applications would be processed within three months. However, due to multiple challenges, this target has now been extended by another six months.

Causes Behind NID Correction Delays

Last December, ASM Humayun Kabir, the Director General of the National Identity Registration Wing, stated that the corrections would be completed within a short timeframe. However, as of now, the backlog remains massive. Officials have cited the ongoing voter list update as the primary reason for this delay.

Backlog of NID Correction Applications

The number of pending NID correction applications has reached a staggering 400,000. Initially, on December 19 last year, the EC had estimated that 375,000 applications would be resolved within three months. However, additional 302,000 new applications have been submitted, further increasing the backlog.

New Deadline for NID Corrections

Despite the earlier assurance, only 278,000 applications have been processed as of March 16. The EC has now set a new target to clear the backlog by September. However, even this goal seems challenging given the limited manpower and increasing number of applications.

Voter Registration Takes Priority Over NID Corrections

The EC has prioritized voter registration, delaying the processing of NID corrections. As of March 22, around 47,54,000 new voters have been registered. The voter registration process will continue until May 5, meaning that officials will remain occupied until then. Once the workload decreases, the focus will shift back to NID corrections.

Challenges in Meeting the New Target

Although the EC initially aimed to complete the backlog by June 2025, new applications continue to pile up. Officials have admitted that manpower constraints are making it difficult to speed up the process.

To tackle this, a structured monitoring system is being developed, allowing authorities to track progress at the district and upazila levels. Additionally, the EC has introduced three new reporting formats for:

Overseas applicants
Government jobholders
General applicants

Allegations of Corruption in NID Correction Process

Concerns have been raised regarding financial irregularities in the NID correction process. Several complaints indicate that certain individuals are demanding money to fast-track applications. In response, the Detective Branch (DB) of Bangladesh Police has launched an investigation.

Recent developments include:

A data entry operator in Thakurgaon has been arrested for involvement in bribery.
Cases have been filed against two individuals in Narsingdi for illegally charging fees for NID corrections.

Measures Taken by the Election Commission

To address these issues, the EC has taken several measures:

Strict monitoring of NID correction processes to prevent corruption.
Legal actions against fraudulent activities in the correction process.
Development of a structured monitoring system to ensure transparency.

What This Means for NID Applicants

For Bangladeshis waiting for NID corrections, this extended delay means further frustration. Applicants must remain patient as the EC focuses on voter registration before resuming full-scale NID processing.

Steps for NID Applicants

If you are awaiting an NID correction, here are some steps to follow:

Check Your Application Status: Visit the official Election Commission website or contact local EC offices.
Avoid Middlemen: Do not pay extra fees to unauthorized individuals claiming to speed up the process.
Stay Updated: Follow official EC announcements regarding processing timelines.
Report Corruption: If you encounter fraudulent activities, report them to local authorities or the Detective Branch (DB).

Conclusion

The NID correction process in Bangladesh remains a major challenge due to delays, increasing applications, and corruption concerns. While the Election Commission has assured that improvements are being made, applicants must prepare for extended waiting periods.