The Dhaka Times Desk The Election Commission is going to take a new decision. It states that the National ID card will be issued at the age of 16. 16-year-olds can only use it as a national identity card. But to be a voter must be 18 years.
It is known that the Election Commission (EC) is going to take the initiative to give National ID Card to the residents of 16 years. However, they must be at least 18 years of age to qualify as voters.
According to media reports quoting a source in the commission, this decision has been taken as part of the initiative to lower the marriage age of girls to 16 years. The data of these 16-year-olds will also be collected during the next electoral roll update. On the other hand, the Election Commission has a plan to collect information of citizens of all ages.
The constitution of Bangladesh has fixed the residential limit of voters. No one can become a voter before 18 years of age. But those who are below 18 years of age and those who are 16 years of age will get National ID Card. Sources of Election Commission mentioned that such initiative is being taken to ensure multiple use of National Identity Card.
According to EC sources, data will be collected initially from those who appeared for the JSC examination in 2010 for the purpose of issuing identity cards to 16-year-olds. Those who were considered to be 11-12 years old at that time, will now be more than 15 years old. This will save commission time and money. Later it was informed that everyone's information will be collected according to age.
It is to be noted that recently the Cabinet has taken a policy decision regarding fixing the age limit for marriage. There is 18 years for boys and 16 years for girls. Earlier the marriageable age was 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls.
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