Election Commission to Include 'Nicknames' in NID to Curb Fraud

ASM Humayun Kabir, Director General of the NID Registration Wing, announced that "nicknames" will soon be included alongside a person's formal name on the NID. Additionally, the Commission is making it mandatory for a "respected local representative" to recommend any new applicant during the registration process.

According to the Director General, many criminals exploit the system by creating multiple identities, a practice that becomes significantly harder when nicknames—which are widely known in local communities—are officially recorded. This initiative aims to add a layer of social verification that formal documentation alone sometimes lacks.

The second measure specifically targets the prevention of illegal voter registration by foreign nationals or non-residents, such as Rohingyas. By adding a dedicated section to "Form-2" for the recommendation of a local dignitary or elected representative, the EC intends to hold local leaders accountable for verifying the residency and background of applicants. This decentralized approach is expected to produce a more accurate and fraud-resistant national database, ensuring that only genuine citizens are included in the electoral roll.