586 instances of duplicate NIDs found and resolved in database: NID director general

A total of 586 individuals were found to have duplicate National Identity Cards (NIDs) in the national database, according to ASM Humayun Kabir, director general of the National Identity Registration Wing.

He confirmed that in each case, the original NID was retained while the duplicate was cancelled.

"There are no duplicate NIDs or voters in the system anymore," he told journalists during a press briefing held at the Election Commission headquarters today (19 May).

The NID DG explained that all 586 cases were recently identified, and steps were promptly taken to resolve the issue.

"Since these individuals had two NIDs, their accounts were locked, preventing them from accessing public services. Now that the second NIDs have been cancelled, their original NIDs are active again, and they can avail of public services," he added.

The Election Commission made the decision regarding these duplicate NID holders in the first week of this month, and the issue was fully resolved within two weeks. "Wherever a person had two NIDs or was listed twice in the voter list, the Commission cancelled the second one and retained the first," said Kabir.

"At present, we are not aware of any remaining duplicate NIDs. However, if new cases emerge, the same corrective actions will be taken," he added.

Addressing concerns about data security, the DG emphasised that the NID data center is fully secure. "Our data center operates 24/7, though we occasionally shut it down briefly for maintenance. For instance, it was shut down for four hours last Saturday," he noted.

As part of ongoing monitoring, internal audits are conducted to check system integrity and security. "We've taken all necessary initiatives to ensure our data center remains safe. At this moment, we are not facing any security challenges. But since it's a sensitive infrastructure, we continuously take measures to prevent data leaks or damage," Kabir assured.