Dhaka, Sep 17 (V7N): Election Commission (EC) Secretary Shafiul Azim has expressed concerns that transferring the National Identity (NID) services from the Election Commission to the Ministry of Home Affairs may result in data breaches and operational disruptions. He stated that the decision was made without substantial consultation with the EC.

Shafiul Azim emphasized the importance of keeping the citizens' database with a constitutional institution like the Election Commission, which has developed technical expertise over time. "If this database is handed over to another agency mid-way, there is a risk of data security breaches and chaos," he warned during a briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban on Tuesday.

The secretary also pointed out the connection between NID services and the voter list, stressing that managing the NID database is a technical task that the EC has successfully handled. He suggested that maintaining the service under the EC would ensure accuracy and efficiency.

While acknowledging that legislation has been passed to move NID services to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shafiul Azim noted that the process has yet to begin, leaving room for reconsideration. He cautioned against rushing the transition, as it could lead to confusion due to the large database and the need for skilled personnel to manage it.

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