Govt to shift NID services to independent authority

National Identity Card (NID) services will remain under the Election Commission (EC) for now but will eventually be transferred to an independent data authority, said Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

Speaking at a press conference titled "Ownership of NID" held at the ICT Building yesterday, he said, "We are establishing a Data Authority, not shutting down the EC's IT cell. For now, everything will remain unchanged but will be regulated through the new authority."

"No one will lose their job; instead, new employment opportunities will be created," he said, adding that the move will not place NID operations under any ministry.

Meanwhile, EC officials and employees have announced a two-hour nationwide demonstration today, demanding that NID operations remain under the EC.

Monir Hossain, convener of the Bangladesh Election Commission Officers' Association, announced the protest at a press conference yesterday.

EC officials are protesting the government's plan to streamline vital citizen services, including National Identity cards, birth and death registrations, and other essential services, by placing them under a single authority — a separate commission named the 'Civil Registration Commission.'