Election Commission (EC) has recommended that shifting of National Identity Card (NID) activities to different department or authority would diminish EC’s constitutional power.

EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed on Sunday (March 9), sent a letter to the Cabinet Secretary, titled "Opinion and Recommendations of the Election Commission on Keeping the National Identity Card Service under the EC." 

The letter emphasized that removing NID services from the EC’s jurisdiction would hinder voter list preparation and election management.

The previous Awami League government attempted to transfer NID services to the Home Ministry without consulting the EC, passing a new law in 2023. 

However, after a change in the political landscape, the move was halted. 

Later, the Nasir Uddin-led EC recommended canceling the transfer, which the government accepted. 

Recently, EC officials strongly opposed this move warning of work stoppage. 

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin assured the officials of a firm stance, saying that NID services evolved as a byproduct of the voter list and were developed through years of expertise and hard work.

BDST: 2101 HRS, March 09, 2025
MSK