Officials and employees of the Election Commission (EC) are going to stage demonstrations on Thursday in protest against the move to transfer national identity (NID) services to a separate registration commission. As part of the demonstration, they will form human chains under the banner ‘Stand for NID’ at the EC Secretariat and its regional offices across the country. Convener of Bangladesh Election Commission Officers Association Mohammad Monir Hossain on Wednesday announced the programme at a press conference at the EC Secretariat in the capital. “We’ll observe the ‘Stand for NID’ programme from 11am to 1pm tomorrow at the EC Secretariat and its offices throughout the country,” he said.   Monir Hossain said they (EC officials) submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner on March 5 demanding visible steps from the EC and the government to cancel this initiative.  Listed extortionist held with arms in Dhaka The EC agreed with them and sent a letter to the government on March 9 arguing to keep the NID services under its authority, he said. “Despite receiving a response from the commission, we have not received anything from the government. So, we announced this programme as our demand was not met by March 12,” said the EC official. The current government has initiated the fresh move to bring a number of civic services, including birth registration and national identity registration services, under a single entity named the ‘Civil Registration Commission’, causing frustrations among the EC’s officials and employees. On March 3 last, a meeting of the inter-ministerial committee was held in the Cabinet Division to review the draft of the 'Civil Registration (Commission) Ordinance, 2025'. A representative from the EC Secretariat was also present at the additional secretary-level meeting. In 2023, the previous Awami League government enacted the National Identity Registration Act, 2023 to transfer the national identity registration operation from the Election Commission to the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Bangladesh government has officially removed police verification from the e-passport application process. In a February 18, 2025 circular, the Security Services Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that e-passports will now be issued based solely on the information available in the National Identity Card (NID). For minors and expatriate Bangladeshis, the birth registration certificate (BRC) registered online will serve as the primary verification document. This update aims to streamline passport issuance and reduce processing time. Let’s take a look at the overall application procedure for obtaining an e-passport without police clearance. Essential Documents for E-Passport Application . Primary Documents Based on Age Category Applicants below 18 years: BRC in English, registered online.Applicants aged 18 to 20 years: Either a NID card or an online-registered BRC in English.Applicants above 20 years: A NID card is mandatory. However, those residing abroad can submit an online-registered BRC issued by Bangladesh Missions.For minors: Both parents' NID cards must be provided.Proof of residence: A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, or water) of the applicant’s residential address.For adoptees or legal guardianship cases: An official order from the Department of Protective Services, Ministry of Home Affairs.For marital status verification: Marriage certificate or Nikahnama for married applicants; in case of divorce, a Talaqnama must be submitted if applicable. Additional Documents for Various Professionals Technical or skilled professionals (e.g., drivers, engineers, doctors): A relevant vocational or professional certification.Students: A certificate from the head of the educational institution, the latest educational qualification certificate, or a valid student ID card.Private sector employees: An official employment certificate issued by the respective institution.Government employees: Any one of the following official documents, as published on the issuing authority’s website:- Government Order (GO)- No Objection Certificate (NOC)- Employment Certificate- Post-Retirement Leave (PRL) Order- Pension BookFarmers and agricultural workers: A copy of their land title deed as proof of agricultural engagement.Business owners: A copy of a valid Trade License for their business establishment. Mandatory Attachments at the Time of Application Submission Along with the primary and profession-specific documents, applicants must also submit: - A printed summary of the application form, including the scheduled time for biometric registration.- A printed copy of the fully completed online application form.- Receipt of passport fee payment as proof of submission.- For children below six years, a recent passport-sized photograph taken in a lab with a gray background is required.- For applicants above six years, no separate photograph is required. Most importantly, there is no requirement to have any of the above documents attested for submission. Read more: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an E-Passport . Filling Out the Online Application Form To initiate the e-passport application process, access the official website at www.epassport.gov.bd using an internet browser. Select the ‘Apply Online’ tab, where the first step involves determining the designated e-passport issuing office. This is done by choosing the relevant district and police station from the drop-down menu, after which the affiliated passport office will be automatically assigned. For applicants seeking to identify the nearest e-passport office separately, the necessary information can be found at this link: https://dip.gov.bd/site/page/4d4ea063-50df-46ee-a326-492d8ef2dbb0/-. Following the selection of the passport office, an account must be created on the e-passport online registration portal. This requires entering an email address, NID card or BRC, and a mobile number, followed by setting a unique password. Once the account has been successfully created, future logins can be performed using either the email or mobile number and the designated password. All information provided in the form must match exactly with the details on the applicant’s NID card. Once the required mandatory fields are completed, the system will prompt for passport fee payment. If the payment is made online, the receipt number will be automatically linked to the application. The next step involves scheduling an appointment for biometric registration. A date can be selected from the available slots displayed on the screen. At the final stage, after submission, a summary of the completed application, including the scheduled biometric appointment, will be displayed. A printed copy of both the summary and the submitted online registration form must be attached to other required documents before proceeding with the next steps. Read more: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents E-Passport Fee Payment Options The Department of Passports and Immigration has approved multiple payment methods for e-passport processing fees. The available options include: Debit and Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American ExpressMobile Financial Services (MFS): bKash, Nagad, Rocket, UPay, DMoney, OK Wallet, and MBL RainbowAuthorized Banks:Bank Asia, BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, City Bank, United Commercial Bank, Arab-Bangladesh Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, and Midland Bank. E-Passport Fee Structure and Processing Time The fee for an e-passport varies depending on the number of pages, validity period, and delivery speed. Applications are categorized into Regular, Express, and Super Express services: Super Express Service: The fastest option, delivering the passport within 2 working days from the date of biometric registration.Express Service: Processing takes a minimum of 7 working days which extends to a maximum of 10 days from the date of biometric registration.Regular Service: The most extended timeframe, with a processing period of at least 15 working days or 21 days from the date of biometric registration. Read more: No police verification required for passports: CA E-Passport with 48 Pages (5-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 4,025Express Service: BDT 6,325Super Express Service: BDT 8,625 E-Passport with 64 Pages (5-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 6,325Express Service: BDT 8,625Super Express Service: BDT 12,075 E-Passport with 48 Pages (10-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 5,750Express Service: BDT 8,050Super Express Service: BDT 10,350 E-Passport with 64 Pages (10-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 8,050Express Service: BDT 10,350Super Express Service: BDT 13,800 Document Submission and Biometric Registration Applicants must visit the designated e-passport service center on the scheduled date, bringing all required documents. During this visit, the biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, will be collected. To ensure smooth processing, candidates must wear colored clothing when having their photograph taken at the passport center. Upon completing the biometric process, a delivery slip will be issued, specifying the estimated date of passport collection. This slip serves as proof of biometric registration and must be kept safely for submission on the day of passport collection. Read more: Government issues guidelines over revoking diplomatic “red” passports Checking E-Passport Application Status From the day of biometric registration until the estimated passport collection date, applicants can track their application status online. For this, visit: https://www.epassport.gov.bd/authorization/application-status- A 13-digit application ID will be provided on the distribution slip. Applicants must use this Application ID or the OID (Online Registration ID) found in the application form to check the current progress of their e-passport. Collection of E-Passport Without Police Verification Previously, police verification was required after biometric registration. However, under the new regulations, this step has been eliminated. Once the e-passport is ready for collection, a notification will be sent to the mobile number and email address provided in the application form. To collect the passport, applicants must visit the designated passport issuing office on the specified date, bringing along the original delivery slip and NID card. Verdict Online application process for Bangladesh e-passport is easy and user-friendly. From February 18, 2025, the removal of the requirement for police verification has streamlined the e-passport application process, offering a more efficient and accessible approach for all. Applicants now only need to provide their NID card or BRC, removing the traditional requirement for police clearance. The process includes completing an online application, submitting necessary documents, and attending bio-enrollment at the designated passport office. Applicants can track their application status and collect their passports upon notification, making the overall experience faster. Read more: Visa-free Travel for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2025: Top Destinations to Explore

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that citizens will no longer need police verification to get passports. The government has made it a rule that there will be no need for police verification from now, he said while inaugurating the annual Deputy Commissioners’ conference at his office in the capital. “Obtaining a passport is one of the citizens’ rights. If we don't require police verification for birth certificates or NIDs, why should it be necessary for passports?” he said. Dr Yunus said the government must work as a team. “It’s a team work. We must avoid anything that hinders the success of the entire team,” he added. This year's conference will include a total of 30 working sessions with various ministries and departments, along with four special sessions. Visa issue doesn’t exist once passport revoked: Govt The special sessions include the inaugural ceremony, a meeting with the Chief Justice, an open discussion with the Chief Adviser, and a meeting with the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association. Some 354 proposals have been received from DCs and divisional commissioners ahead of the conference, which will conclude on February 18 (Tuesday).

In its preliminary investigation, the Election Commission (EC) has found evidence that five institutions using NID services leaked information to third parties. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed disclosed this while speaking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting with institutions receiving NID verification services at Nirbachan Bhaban on Monday. The five accused are the Director General of Health Services, UCB Bank's Upay, the Chittagong Port Authority, Department of Women Affairs and IBAS of the Finance Ministry. “These institutions have been asked to show cause. An investigation is underway to determine whether this occurred due to negligence or was done intentionally. If anyone has done this on his or her own initiative, it is a punishable offence,” said the Secretary. Injured victims of July uprising get smart NID cards He said 182 institutions use this service from the NID wing. There should be a limit to use the data of the NID server, he added. Akhtar Ahmed said that 182 organisations verify NID information from the Election Commission. Some of the institutions provide the NID verification service to the third parties, which is a violation of the terms of the agreement. EC cancels deal with BCC for NID data verification service The three-day views-exchange with stakeholders will review how much information an organisation requires and whether it is accessing more than necessary, he added.

The Election Commission (EC) has taken a plan to settle nearly 400,000 pending applications, submitted seeking correction in the national identity cards, within the next three months in a bid to curb the corruption in the NID services. Director General of the Election Commission’s National Identity Card (NID) Wing ASM Humayun Kabir on Thursday said this while talking to reporters following an operation of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), conducted at the EC offices, targeting a network of corrupt staff and brokers who allegedly involved in bribery related to NID card services. Election Commission’s maiden meeting in progress “We’ll try to resolve 3.78 lakh pending applications submitted seeking corrections (in NID) within three months so that the opportunities for corruption are reduced,” he said. The ACC, in a crackdown started 11am on Thursday, detained two brokers red-handed and took action against two corrupt staff for their involvement in bribery related to EC’s national identity card services. The NID DG said the manpower crisis is a major reason behind the backlog of applications. So, an initiative has been taken to hire more manpower for the NID services, he said. Election Commission seeks opinions on electoral reform    “I hope you will see a crash program very soon. You will see significant improvement (in settlement of applications) in the next three months,” he said, adding that the EC would try to settle all 378,000 pending applications within this period. According to the EC’s statistics, there are more than 12 crore voters in the country. A large number of voters have various errors in their NIDs. But the people face harassment and difficulties in availing NID services.

The Election Commission (EC) has urged all to correct any errors in their National Identity Cards (NIDs) by January 2. The directive comes as part of preparations for publishing the draft voter list on the same date. In a media release issued on Sunday, the Election Commission Secretariat urged all the citizens of the country to visit their respective Upazila or Thana election offices to get corrected any errors in their NIDs. The media release stressed the importance of accurate NID information, as the draft voter list will be based on the records provided. Any discrepancies left unresolved could lead to administrative and legal complications in the future, it added. To facilitate the correction process, all concerned are required to submit a duly filled-out form along with necessary documents. EC accelerates disposal of NID correction applicants The EC has assured that adequate measures have been taken to ensure a smooth and efficient correction process. The Election Commission says that having an accurate NID is not only crucial for voter registration but also for verifying personal identity and safeguarding citizens' rights.  

The identity card issued by Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) to citizens is called National Identity Card (NID) or Voter ID Card. Since October 2016, all Bangladeshi adult citizens have been given a Smart NID card by the government. This chip-based plastic card includes an embedded integrated circuit, where all data are stored. The Government of Bangladesh has digitized the Smart NID Card application system. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Smart NID online in Bangladesh. Document You Need to Get Smart NID Card in Bangladesh A new applicant has to submit several documents to become a new voter. Documents must be submitted supporting all the information entered in the online registration form. Below is detailed information on what it takes to get a smart NID card. - Print copy of the online filled form - SSC Certificate - Birth Registration certificate - Passport / Driving License / TIN - Copy of Utility Bill/House Rent Receipt/Holding Tax Receipt – (Any proof of habitual residence in the area) - Citizenship Certificate (if applicable) - Copy of NID Card of Father, Mother, Spouse (if applicable). Read Bangladesh Smart National ID Card Correction Process Providing all these documents is not mandatory. It is better to provide as many documents as you can supply. These documents will ensure your age and area of residence. Keep in mind that if you are 18 years of age on or before January 1 of the current year, you will be included in the voter list. How to get a Smart NID card in Bangladesh online? To apply for a new voter ID card online, first, visit services.nidw.gov.bd from your mobile or computer. Apply button for new enrollment should be clicked. In this form, first, the name of the applicant should be written in English. Then enter the date of birth of the applicant. Then enter the captcha in the text box. The captcha must be entered exactly as it appears. Then click on the continue button. Read How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know On the next page, the applicant has to enter the correct mobile number and click on the send message button. Then a 6-digit code will be received on the mobile. Next, enter the 6-digit verification code received on the mobile and click on the continue button. Then the page will load and take you to the option to set your username and password. The user’s name and password must be saved as it will be required to log in to the account later. Then click on the continue button. For the new voter application, click on the profile option. From here, you will be asked to provide three types of information: personal information, other information, and address. Click on the edit button to update personal information, other information, and address. Fill out the whole form according to the requirements. Once the personal details are filled, other details have to be filled in. Other information includes educational qualification, occupation, disability, identification mark, TIN number, driving license number, passport number, religion, telephone number, and mobile number. The applicant will fill out the form according to his information. Read E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh The address should be filled in after other information is filled in. First, you have to select the name of the country you are staying in. Then select a current address and permanent address. If the applicant’s current and permanent address are different, they should be selected separately. Then select the voter area. Voter Area is the area/village/mohalla whose name is to be included in the voter list. Once the address field is filled, click on the next button on the top right side. After clicking on the next button, the option to upload documents will appear. But it says that there is no need for documents here. That doesn’t mean that new voter registration doesn’t require paperwork. Of course, the necessary documents will be required. But you have to submit to their office in person. From here, click on the next button. Submit the form after your see confirms option. Clicking on the submit button will load the page and take you to the profile option, and the download button will appear. Clicking the download button will download the voter registration form No. 2 and print it. Read Changing/ Correcting Information in SSC and HSC Certificate To apply for a NID card without any hassle, the applicant’s signature/signature must be given on the other page of the form. Write the NID number and signature of a voter in the appropriate box who knows the applicant. Also, add the name, NID number, and signature of any one of the representatives of the area, such as Chairman/Municipal Mayor of Ward Member/Ward Councilor/Women Member, etc. and must use a seal under their signature (Mandatory). Next, you have to pin up the mentioned documents with the new voter registration form 2 and submit them to the concerned Upazila election office. Besides, documents can be submitted as per the advice of the concerned Registration Officer. Read How to Get a Trade License in Bangladesh? After taking a photograph, signature, fingerprint, and biometric in the office, you will be cut off from the lower part of the New Voter Registration Form 2. A 10-digit smart NID number will be sent to your mobile number via SMS within a very short time. NID cards can be downloaded online after getting the NID number. After downloading the NID card, you can print and laminate it and do all the work. How to Download the NID Card Online? To download NID Card online, you must visit services.nidw.gov.bd and register to buy by clicking the claim account on the left. A NID Account must be created for NID check or Download. Follow the steps to complete the registration. Now to proceed to the next step, you need to have an app called NID Wallet installed on your mobile. Using the app, scan the QR code you received during the registration. Then verify your face using the phone camera. As soon as the face is verified, the browser will refresh, load with your photo, and guide you through setting up a password. Now you can download your National ID Card with just one click and print it. Read How to get BRTA Bangladesh Motor Driving License in 2022 Is there any fee to get NID in Bangladesh? You don’t need to pay any fees if you are applying for the NID for the first time. This will have 15 years of validity, and you will need to pay BDT 100-150 for the renewal after 15 years. Also, you have to be 18 years old to apply for NID.

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not be directed to add information about thalassemia to the National Identity (NID) card. The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo issued the rule after hearing a writ petition. Advocate Eunus Ali Akond stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Arbind Kumar represented the state. Also read: 7 years in condemn cell despite acquittal: HC orders judicial inquiry Secretaries to the Cabinet, health. law, home ministries, Election Commission, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council have been made respondent to the rule. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not be directed to enact a policy for inserting information about thalassemia in the NID card of a person. Eunus Ali Akond filed a writ petition seeking insertion of thalassemia information into the NID card on May 31. On May 25, a legal notice was served in this regard. According to the petition, if any thalassemia patient marries a person carrying thalassemia disease then there is a risk of their children getting affected. But if a thalassemia-free is married to a patient of thalassemia, in that case, their children will be free from the risk of thalassemia. Also read: HC summons ACC IO over exemption of accused in Sonali Bank loan scam case They wanted an option at the NID card to insert information about thalassemia to clarify whether the card holder has been infected with the decease or not to prevent marriage of two thalassemia patients

Customers of mobile financial services provider (MFS) upay can now make payment of different service-related fees such as correction of national identity (NID) card and collection of duplicate NID. The service will be available to customers through the upay app and USSD code "268." Upay signed an agreement with the Election Commission (EC) Tuesday. Read: US-Bangla Airlines offers chance to youths to become pilot Rezaul Hossain, managing director and chief executive officer of upay, and Mohammad Azizul Islam, director of administration and finance at the NID wing under the EC Secretariat, signed the deal. Upay, a subsidiary of United Commercial Bank, launched its operation in March 2021. Since its launching, the company has acquired around 60 lakhs customers. It has more than one lakh agent points across the country, according to a media statement. Read Healthcare payments: Nagad offers discounts of up to Tk2,350.

BRAC, a development organisation, has joined as a partner of the government's Covid-19 vaccination drive to accelerate resilience against the pandemic. BRAC started managing vaccine administration in nine centres of Dhaka from Saturday with the help of midwives from BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health. It is also assisting the government in 3,214 centres at the union level across Bangladesh. Read: BRAC gets regulatory nod to issue zero-coupon bonds People aged from 25 years and above can get the jab by showing their national identity card (NID) between 9am and 3pm every day from BRAC-managed centres, said a press release by the organization. The service will remain open till August 12. The eligible must bring a photocopy of NID card or the vaccine registration card registered with the Shurokkha App to receive the vaccine. The centres are offering vaccine doses only for those who have registered with the Shurokkha App but have yet to receive a short message service confirming the date of vaccination. Read:One-third of female employed youths jobless as impact of Covid-19: BRAC Only the first dose of the vaccine is offered from these centres and will mention the date of the second dose in the vaccine card. Each of these BRAC-managed centres in Dhaka city can administer 350 doses per day. Women, elderly people (over 50 years) and people with disabilities are prioritized in vaccination from these centres. Dr Morseda Chowdhury, director of Health, Nutrition and Population Programme (HNPP) at BRAC, said, “We aim to ensure vaccine administration management in a disciplined way everywhere, including hard-to-reach areas. We believe a combined effort by everyone is essential in the fight against the pandemic.” Read:Nine banks to collaborate with BRAC in Covid awareness and support The nine centres BRAC is operating in the two city corporations in Dhaka city are: Nurer Chala Government School and Shaheed Turjo Primary School in Badda under the Dhaka North City Corporation, and councillor office in Paltan Community Centre, Dingi in Dhanmondi 8/A, councillor office in Dhanmondi Community Centre at Bhuter Goli on Dhanmondi Circular Road, councillor office in Hatirpool Kacha Bazar, councillor office in Shegunbagicha multipurpose complex, Fakir Chan Sarder Community Centre in Narinda, and MA Sattar High School in Demra under Dhaka South City Corporation.