Taking voters’ NIDs for campaigning is a crime, says Election Commission

The EC reiterates its call for all citizens, political parties, and organisations to refrain from activities that violate electoral laws

The Election Commission has warned against the collection of voters’ National Identity Cards (NIDs) during campaigning for the 13th parliamentary elections, calling the practice a punishable offence.

In a notification issued on Thursday, the constitutional body urged voters not to hand over their NIDs in the name of political campaigns and asked all citizens and organisations to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct.

The EC said it has come to the agency’s notice that some individuals are collecting voters’ personal information and NIDs under the guise of election campaigning, an act it described as illegal under existing laws.

“According to the National Identity Card Registration Act 2010, no one is permitted to carry or transfer another person’s National Identity Card,” the notification said.

The warning came amid complaints from rival candidates in the Dhaka-15 constituency.

A BNP candidate has alleged that women activists affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami are going door to door in parts of Mirpur to collect voters’ NIDs in the name of campaigning.

Citing Rule 4 of the political party and candidate conduct rules for parliamentary elections, the Election Commission said no political party, candidate, or anyone acting on their behalf may give or promise any form of donation, financial assistance, or gift to individuals, groups, or institutions within a constituency. Such actions constitute punishable offences under the rules.

The EC reiterated its call for all citizens, political parties, and organisations to refrain from activities that violate electoral laws and undermine the integrity of the election process.

The parliamentary elections and referendum are scheduled to be held on Feb 12. Campaigning will continue until Feb 10.