EC settles ‘278,000’ NID correction applications in three months

Over 275,000 National Identity Card (NID) correction applications have been processed in three months, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Speaking at the Nirbachon Bhaban, or the Election Building, in Dhaka'a Agargaon on Sunday, National Identity Registration Wing (NIDW) Director General ASM Humayun Kabir said: "We had initiated a three-month crash programme to complete 378,000 applications and managed to resolve 278,000, including previous ones, by Mar 16."

He added that nearly 300,000 fresh applications had been submitted. "The pending applications must be cleared within the next six months [by September]."

Humayun continued: “Once the voter registration process is finished, we can focus fully on these applications."

In December 2024, two weeks after taking office, the NIDW director general told journalists that the commission aimed to resolve nearly 375,000 pending NID correction applications within three months.

"If we keep up the current pace, we can reduce public inconvenience," he added.

The voter registration process is set to conclude by May 5, with the updated voter list expected within June.

Humayun said some applications submitted during this period may remain unresolved due to staffing limitations.

The EC’s database currently holds records for over 123.7 million citizens.

When asked about allegations of financial transactions related to NID corrections, he said: "In some areas, this clique is active. I've received complaints that some have taken money."

He highlighted that action has been taken against several individuals, including EC staff.

"We have involved the [Detective Branch]. One of our data entry operators in Thakurgaon has been detained, and a case has been filed against him. In Narsingdi, two people have been charged."