The Election Commission (EC) has directed the regional election officers to send reports "to the designated table" to expedite the disposal of applications for correction of information in the National Identity Card (NID).

The directive, signed by Muhammad Hasanuzzaman, director (Administration and Finance) of the National Identity Registration Division of the EC, was sent to the field-level regional election officers on Tuesday.

The directive stated that in order to quickly dispose of applications related to the National Identity Card service, three separate investigation reports have been finalised with the approval of the Secretariat, divided into 'general, expatriate and employee' categories according to the type of application. 

After ascertaining the type of occupation of the applicant, the investigation officer will fill up the applicable 'table' (attached T-1, T-2 or T-3) and send it electronically to the settling officer in the form of an advance letter with the opinion memorandum number.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today (23 May) said he is facing a wide range of challenges beyond the purview of his ministry.

"Many criticise us, calling us ineffective. Criticism is fine, but such comments do not create a good impression outside. It damages the country's image," he said while addressing an event at Dhaka Residential Model College.

The event -- the national round of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2025 -- was chaired by Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and chair of the Olympiad organising committee.

On the upcoming budget, Salehuddin said, "There has been talk of various tax exemptions. The day after the budget, we will have to answer many questions. But determining what the public wants is not easy."

"The IMF couldn't impose everything they wanted. We've reached a compromise," he added.

Speaking at the event, Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said, "Our GDP has grown by 1% each decade, but the benefits have not been evenly distributed, increasing inequality.

"The growth has also not created enough jobs, and youth unemployment has risen. People have been suffering from high inflation for the last two and a half years. A one-sided, politically driven economy only pushes society backwards."

Masrur Arefin, managing director of City Bank, presenting the keynote paper, noted, "In the past nine months, while major achievements may be few, one key success is the curbing of malpractice in the banking sector.

"Money laundering has been halted. However, political uncertainty is once again on the rise."