TDS Desk:

The Election Commission (EC) will now issue National Identity (NID) cards to citizens from the age of 16, aiming to ease access to essential services well before the voting age of 18.

“Citizens who are 16 years or older can apply for NID registration. This allows us to preserve preliminary data in advance, and they will receive NIDs,” EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the media at a briefing at the Nirbachan Bhabanon Tuesday (September9).

“Many services require an NID, such as for students going abroad to study, opening a bank account, or seeking medical treatment overseas. So having an NID becomes essential,” he explained.

The secretary added that the initiative would ease difficulties faced by citizens without an NID.

“While NIDs will be issued from age 16, individuals will automatically be enrolled as voters once they turn 18. Citizens aged 18 and above will continue to be added to the electoral roll and receive smart NID cards,” he said.

Akhtar also announced a procedural change for lost NIDs. “Losing an NID will no longer require a general diary to reapply, saving both time and hassle. This initiative has been taken to simplify NID services for citizens.”