Registration Reform: EC Brings 16–Year-Olds Under National ID Net
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to bring 16- and 17-year-old citizens of Bangladesh under the national identity registration system. From now on, Bangladeshi citizens who have completed 16 years of age will be eligible to apply for national identity (NID) registration.
The National Identity Registration Wing of the Election Commission disclosed the information through a circular issued on Sunday, February 22.
According to the circular, the decision has been taken in light of Section 5 of the National Identity Registration Act, 2010 (amended in 2013). It states that Bangladeshi citizens who have completed or will complete 16 or 17 years of age on the date of application will be eligible to apply for registration.
The order, signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the National Identity Registration Wing, has instructed all concerned regional, district and upazila election officers to implement the decision with immediate effect.
Previously, citizens were generally allowed to apply for NID only upon attaining 18 years of age, the minimum age required to qualify as a voter. However, citing the expansion of civic services and the growing necessity of NID for students in various academic and administrative activities, the EC has decided to lower the age limit for registration.
Under the new provision, individuals registered at the age of 16 or 17 will not be considered voters until they reach 18 years of age.
DBTech/PBO/EK/OR
