The Election Commission (EC) has recommended major legal reforms, including barring MPO-listed teachers and employees from contesting local government elections and introducing significant changes to National Identity (NID) card services.
The proposals include mandatory NID renewal every 15 years and creating a family tree database using citizens’ family information.
The recommendations were finalised at the EC’s 12th meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the proposals were prepared to amend laws governing city corporations, Zila Parishads, Upazila Parishads, municipalities and Union Parishads.
The EC proposed making MPO-listed teachers, officers and employees ineligible to contest local government elections. It also recommended barring dual citizens and individuals against whom charges have been framed by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) from contesting polls.
The commission proposed expanding the definition of loan defaulters to include not only borrowers but also mortgage providers and guarantors.
Individuals and organisations defaulting on utility bills, including electricity bills, land tax and WASA bills, would also be considered ineligible to contest elections.
The EC recommended including the Armed Forces in the definition of “law enforcement agencies” under all local government election laws. Under the proposed NID reforms, citizens will have to renew their NIDs every 15 years after paying a prescribed fee.
During renewal, citizens will have to provide information about family members to help the EC create a family tree database. The commission is also planning to issue NIDs to people below 15 years of age, although the minimum age limit will be decided later.
Birth date corrections will be allowed at field-level offices based on public examination certificates or birth registration records.
The EC also proposed allowing voters to apply online for changing voter areas after paying a specified fee.
The voter registration process for expatriate Bangladeshis will be simplified from two steps to one, with approval granted after biometric data submission and verification.
Akhtar Ahmed said the proposed amendments would soon be sent to the Local Government Division. He said the EC could only make recommendations, while the authority to enact laws rests with the government.
The EC is preparing to hold local government elections in September or October using the voter list updated up to 31 July.
