Last Change:

12/24/2024

The National Identity Registration Act

Year: 2023

Type: Domestic law

Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Documentation

Link to external source: http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-details-1458.html
Description

The law of 2023 repealed the earlier act of 2010. This law is very clear to indicate that the national identity document is only for the citizens of Bangladesh. As per section 11, national identity as a Bangladeshi can be cancelled if for some reason the citizenship status of the concerned person is cancelled as well. Section 18 states that if any person misrepresents or fraudulently obtains the NID, he/she will be punishable under this law with at least one-year imprisonment and/or a maximum of 20 thousand taka fine. As per section 19, having more than one NID is also a crime and punishable with a maximum of one year imprisonment and/or 20 thousand taka fine. As per section 21- offences under this act are cognizable, non-compoundable and bailable.

Selected provisions
Section 20: Penalty for Distortion or Destruction of Data

(1) If any employee concerned with the registration process or any person performing duties related to the conduct of national identity registration process, preparation, distribution and maintenance of identity cards by or under this Act, willfully defaces or destroys any information related to national identity cards stored with the registrar shall be deemed to have committed an offense under this Act and for such offense he shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding 7 (seven) years or fine not exceeding 1 (one) lakh or both.
(2) Any person who distorts or destroys any information mentioned in the National Identity Card for dishonest purposes shall be deemed to have committed an offense under this Act and shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 (two) years or to a fine not exceeding 40 (forty) thousand Taka or to both.

Section 21: Penalties for Unauthorized Access to or Unlawful Use of Data

If any person enters the data in an unauthorized manner or uses the data illegally, he shall be deemed to have committed an offense under this Act and shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 (five) years or a fine not exceeding 50 (fifty) thousand or both.

Section 23: Penalty for Forgery of National Identity Card

(1) Any person who forges a national identity card or knowingly carries such identity card shall be deemed to have committed an offense under this Act and shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 (seven) years or to a fine not exceeding one (one) lakh rupees or to both.
(2) Any person who assists in the forgery of a national identity card or instigates the carrying of such identity card shall be deemed to have committed an offence under this Act and shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 (seven) years for such offence or shall be punished with a fine not exceeding 1 (one) lakh rupees or both.

Section 24: Penalty for Possessing or Carrying The National Identity Card of any Other Citizen

Any person possessing or carrying the national identity card of any other citizen without reasonable cause shall be deemed to have committed an offense under this Act and shall be liable to rigorous imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 (one) year or to a fine not exceeding 20 (twenty) thousand or to both.

Show