Online Desk 

The Election Commission (EC) is considering new measures to strengthen the integrity of Bangladesh's National Identity (NID) system and prevent identity fraud. Under a proposed plan, applicants seeking to become new voters may be required to submit not only the National ID information of their parents but also that of all their siblings. The Commission is also considering making NID renewal mandatory every 15 years.

According to EC sources, applicants currently provide the NID information of their father and mother during voter registration. Under the proposed system, information on all siblings would be added to create a comprehensive "family tree" database.

Election Commission officials believe the initiative would make it more difficult for Rohingya refugees and other foreign nationals to obtain Bangladeshi NIDs using forged documents. They also say it would help detect identity fraud and irregularities in requests to correct or alter personal information in the national database.

The EC noted that stricter registration procedures in the Chattogram region have already made it difficult for Rohingyas to obtain NIDs there. However, some are reportedly attempting to acquire fraudulent identity cards through broker networks in other parts of the country. Officials believe the proposed family tree system would help curb such practices.

Speaking on the proposal, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the family tree initiative is currently under review. If approved, applicants would have to provide the NID information of all siblings in addition to that of their parents. He added that the system would enable the Commission to maintain complete family records and make future processes—such as issuing inheritance certificates—more efficient.

The Election Commission is also reviewing a proposal to make renewal of National Identity Cards compulsory after 15 years. Although existing laws already provide for NID renewal, it has not been mandatory until now.

According to EC officials, a person's appearance, fingerprints, and other biometric information may change significantly over time. In some cases, individuals may also undergo surgical procedures that alter their physical features. Making periodic NID renewal mandatory would therefore help maintain the accuracy and reliability of identity verification.

A.H.M. Anwar Pasha, Director General of the EC's National Identity Registration Wing, said both the mandatory NID renewal proposal and the family tree system remain under review. The Commission will begin the necessary implementation process if the proposals receive formal approval.