Bangladesh government took national voter ID card project in 90s which was eventually
abandoned for some practical reasons. Then digital technology was not available like today.
Photographs of 8 people were taken with a film camera at a time. Everyone had to hold a
plate on which a unique number was written so that it can be identified later whose photo it
was.
Dream of voter ID card was implemented by the military backed interim government where
latest digital technologies were used. Web cameras, fingerprint scanners were used to create
an electronic database. Citizens were given a card which was not a voter ID card, it was
national ID card. But that card has some limitations.
Now the authority is planning to initiate a project from July 2011 to June 2016 which will
introduce new card with international standard robust security features. This will help to
combat corruption and bring transparency and efficiency in public and private sectors.
Estimated cost of this project is $ 197.02 million; govt. will add $ 2.02 million to $ 195
million loan. Government has 40 years and additional 10 years grace time to repay. World
Bank and ERD are due to sign this agreement today.