Dhaka, Jan 22 (V7N) — The Election Commission (EC) has urged voters and political actors to refrain from collecting National Identity Cards (NIDs) under the pretext of election campaigning and from offering or promising any form of donation, grant, or gift within constituencies.

The warning came in a press release issued on Thursday (January 22), signed by Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick, Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer of the EC Secretariat.

According to the release, the Bangladesh Election Commission has received reports that some individuals are collecting voters’ personal information and NIDs while claiming to be engaged in election-related activities. The EC reminded that under the National Identity Card Registration Act, 2010, carrying, collecting, or transferring another person’s NID is strictly prohibited.

The statement further noted that under Rule 4 of the Rules of Conduct of Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025, no political party, candidate, or anyone acting on their behalf is allowed to provide, promise, or distribute any donation, financial assistance, or gift to individuals, groups, or institutions within a constituency.

Such actions constitute punishable offenses under existing election laws, the EC said.

The Election Commission has called upon all citizens, political parties, candidates, and organizations to strictly comply with election laws and to refrain from engaging in or facilitating any of the aforementioned activities.

END/SMA/AJ