Disorganization in Voter List Update in Chattogram, No Trace of Data Collectors

ANM Tajwar Alam

Chittagong Bureau    |    ০৯:১৪ পিএম, ২০২৫-০২-০২

Voter list updating for National Identification Cards (NID) is underway in Chattogram City. According to the Election Commission's (EC) directives, the voter list update process will run from January 20 to February 3. During this period, data collectors were supposed to visit homes and collect information from voters. However, the reality seems to be different.

Reports from various areas of the city reveal that most residents are unaware of the update process. Many have complained that no one has come to their homes to collect data. Meanwhile, the Election Commission insists that the process is proceeding normally.

Residents' Claims: "No One Has Come"

A visit to various areas of Chattogram revealed widespread confusion among the general public about the voter list update. Young people hoping to register as new voters have expressed frustration, stating that no one has come to collect their information, even though time is running out.

Rahi, a resident of Chawkbazar, shared, "My son is of voting age this time. I heard that someone would come to our house to collect the data, but no one has come yet. What will happen if he is excluded later?" A housewife from Kazir Dewri, Hasina, also shared the same concern, saying, "I’ve heard that voter list updates are happening, but no data collectors have come to our area. Yet, the government says they will visit every house to collect information."

Tariq, a resident of Chandpur, said, "Many of my acquaintances have said that no one has visited their homes either. So, how will a new voter list be created?"

Election Commission's Statement: "Everything Is Running Fine"

The Election Commission has stated that data collectors are working in the field according to the scheduled timeline, and the voter list update will be completed on time. A city election officer who wished to remain anonymous mentioned, "We have hired a sufficient number of data collectors. There may have been some delays in certain areas, but work is ongoing in all places." However, this statement does not seem to align with the actual situation.

Lack of Awareness About Voter List Update

People have also complained about a lack of awareness campaigns regarding the voter list update. In many areas, banners and posters have been scarce, and there has been little promotion through TV, radio, or social media. As a result, many residents are unaware of how the voter list update is taking place. Several voters have voiced concerns that the Election Commission's workers are not fulfilling their duties properly.

One businessman remarked, "Such a large-scale process is underway, but I haven't seen any posters or heard any announcements. If I don't take the initiative myself, how will I get my name on the list?"

Fear of Being Excluded from the Voter List

Experts believe that being excluded from the voter list will lead to difficulties in accessing government services, as the National Identification Card (NID) is now required for almost all types of public and private services.

A young potential voter said, "Voting is our right. But if our names don't make it to the list, how will we be able to vote?"

What New Voters Should Do

Individuals who turned 18 (born on or before January 1, 2008) are eligible to register as new voters. Those who have not had a data collector visit their home can contact the nearest election office. Information can also be accessed from the Election Commission's website. It's important to raise awareness among family and friends to ensure no one is left out.

Call to Authorities

The Election Commission must take immediate action to ensure that no one is excluded from the voter list. Citizens believe, "Becoming a voter is our right. If the process is not carried out properly, it will be detrimental to us."

If the ongoing disorganization in the voter list update process in Chattogram is not addressed promptly, a large number of voters could be left off the list for the upcoming elections.