United News of Bangladesh

No one in the country has currently dual national identity cards and the NID database is now fully secure, said ASM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the Election Commission’s NID Wing, on Monday. "We have finally identified 586 people with two NIDs…. we’ve activated their first NID cancelling the second ones,” he said while briefing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. He said their both NIDs were locked but their original ones have been activated and they can now access all citizen services. NID data leak: EC halts services for two organisations The NID DG said the Commission had made the decision to address the dual NID issue in the first week of this month and the problem was resolved within two weeks. “At this moment, to our knowledge, no one has more than one NID. If any future cases are identified, we will take the same action,” he said. The EC’s NID database contains information of over 125 million nationals. There were incidents of data leak from the data server in the past. About the data security, Humayun Kabir assured that all necessary measures have been taken to prevent any information leaks under the current circumstances. NIDs of Sheikh Hasina, 10 family members locked He said the data center operates round the clock. Sometimes, it was shut down briefly for maintenance—as did last Saturday for four hours. The EC regularly inspects the system to ensure everything is running properly and updated, he added. “We’ve taken all necessary initiatives from our end. At this moment, our data center is completely secure. There is no existing challenge regarding its security,” said the NID Director General. He said the daily operation of the data center continues by ensuring that no data leakage or damage occurs under any circumstances. Humayun Kabir also said all possible measures will be taken to keep the database safe in future as well. END/UNB/MS/SAM

Travellers will have to show their National Identity Card (NID) for buying tickets for launch journey, said State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday. The decision will come into effect five days ahead the Eid-ul-Fitr, said the minister while talking to reporters after attending a meeting on ensuring safe operation of steamers, launches and other river vessels during Eid-ul-Fitr. Also read: Khalid inaugurates pilot launch service in Gaibandha The government has taken the initiative to ensure safety of the passengers who are planning to go to their respective homes using river route, said Khalid. Strict measures will be taken after Eid to give the system a permanent shape, he added. Replying to a question, the minister said those who don’t have NID cards will have to show their birth registration certificates for purchasing tickets. Issuing a warning, Kalid said no launch owners will be allowed to charge extra fares and carry passengers beyond their capacity. Also read: Smoke in Barishal-bound launch creates panic among passengers Besides, movement of goods-laden vessels will remain suspended five days before and after  Eid, he said. The Eid vacation for the garment workers will start from April 27, he added.