Govt to repeal law, bring back NID services under EC from home ministry: CEC

The interim government has decided to repeal the National Identity Registration Act 2023, which transferred the National Identity (NID) registration-related services from the Election Commission (EC) to the home ministry. 

The move will effectively bring back the services under the EC, Chief Election Commissioner MM Nasir Uddin disclosed at a Pitha Festival at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka on Thursday (16 January).

"The Advisory Council of the interim government has given the nod to a letter of the EC seeking the cancellation of the law. The NID services will stay under the EC," he said at the event organised by Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy.

Welcoming the government's swift response on the matter, the CEC said, "We sent the letter yesterday [Wednesday] and it got approved today [Thursday]."

Nasir stated that he had felt from the start that the ousted Awami League government "did not transfer NID services under the home ministry for any good reason". 

"After I took charge as CEC, I discussed with a few people about the necessity to keep NID services under the EC. I will do whatever I can for that. That is why I have written a letter to repeal that law," he said.

Regarding the recommendations of the Electoral System Reform Commission, he said the recommendations were given by experts after considering all aspects.

"We will give our response after reviewing the recommendations. Those who made the report are wise individuals. They have worked hard and prepared a valuable report," said the CEC.

He, however, noted that all recommendations of the reform commission might not be implemented.  "Not all of these recommendations might be implemented. However, we are in favour of all the recommendations to strengthen the EC."

Also speaking at the event, Electoral Reform Commission Chief Dr Badiul Alam Majumder said he has received positive feedback regarding the commission's recommendations to the government. "The commission has also taken the feedback positively."

The commission submitted over 100 recommendations for electoral reforms to Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus on Wednesday (15 January). 

"We have recommended that a legislative framework be created so that the Election Commission can perform its duties properly in the days ahead, and to ensure accountability so that past incidents are not repeated," said Majumder.

Citing a survey of the reform commission, he added, "90% of the people want local government elections before the Jatiya Sangsad election. To keep the elections free from corruption, specific proposals have been made, including not letting miscreants and criminals who committed crimes against humanity participate in the elections."