Election Commission imposes fees for re-issuing NIDs, correcting information

Citizens will have to pay for re-issuance of their National ID cards (NID) in case of loss, damage, and correction of personal information.

Fees ranging from Tk 100 to 1,000 will be applicable from Sept 1, according to a gazette notification by the Election Commission (EC).

Until now, the EC reissued NIDs if lost or damaged for free.

Monday’s notification says that charges will be applicable for correcting personal information.

However, until Aug 31, citizens will be able to avail these services free.

The EC’s database contains information of 96.2 million voters, who are supposed to be issued ‘smart cards’ from August replacing the old laminated ones.

The EC will update its voters’ database early next year. It will also gather information on citizens aged below 18 years.

Citizens will get the NID for free the first time, which will be valid for 15 years. Fees will be applicable for renewing it.

For re-issuance in case of loss or damage, Tk 200 will be charged for the first time, while a Tk 1,000 will be applicable from next re-issuances.

The payment should be made online or through pay-orders to the EC secretary.

The EC has entered into deals with Bangladesh Bank, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Department of Immigration and Passports for providing information on citizens.

The government entities will pay one-time fee of Tk 500,000 for accessing the database.

Some other public bodies are also in talks with EC for similar agreements.

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