The government has taken an initiative to issue 'Unique ID' card inserting information of important events in the life of every citizen including national identity card.
In view of the existing realities and the needs of the developed world, the Cabinet Division has finalized the opinion proposal in this regard under the direction of the Prime Minister's Office.
A six-member committee headed by an additional secretary submitted its report on November 5.
Earlier, a detailed written opinion was sought from the Prime Minister's Office on the matter. An eight-member committee headed by Sultan Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Administration and Rules Division), Cabinet Division, was formed to prepare the report.
In this context, Secretary of the Department of Coordination and Reforms Kamal Hossain told media on Sunday that "I am not commenting on the formation of the authority. However, we can say that we are doing a lot of important work with CRVS (Civil Registration and Vital Statistics).”
Shafiul Azim, Joint Secretary told that Bangladesh is moving towards rapid development; Therefore, the government is emphasizing on following the model of the developed world regarding all the important information of the citizens including the national identity card.
The Cabinet Division has been working since 2010 under the direction of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Division has already come a long way with CRVS.
He said that they are working on the issue in full vigor while maintaining international standards and he thinks that the important work will be institutionalized some-day. For this, a statutory body or authority may be formed in due course.
The administrative reporting authority of that body or authority shall be the Cabinet Division. Replying to a query, he said the opinion prepared by their committee has already been sent to the Prime Minister's Office. The policy makers of the government will decide what to do next after checking and sorting out the issue.
According to sources, the Cabinet Division will take the next necessary steps if the Prime Minister's Office agrees to form the authority. For this, the existing relevant laws, policies and rules have to be amended.
But now smart cards are being issued. So far 22 types of services are being provided through National Identity Card, most of which are executive type work. Its scope will increase further in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to form appropriate authorities to make this work more timely, safe, people-friendly and sustainable.
At one point, it was said that the issue of national identity registration is universal, whereas the issue of voter list is applicable only to those who are eligible to vote and is made for election purposes.
