Online death registration has been suspended for the past three months to avoid security risks following incidents of data breaches. As a result, service seekers are facing immense hardship.
Currently, several links in the system are inaccessible, preventing users from completing registrations. Although emails have been sent to every office under the Office of the Registrar General of Birth and Death Registration regarding this issue, no effective response has reportedly been received.
The official government website for birth and death registration is https://bdris.gov.bd. However, when attempting to apply there now, a user ID and password are required—credentials that are only available to registrars and assistant registrars. In other words, citizens can no longer complete the online death registration process as they previously could. They must visit the registrar’s office in person for all related matters.
It is worth noting that online applications were suspended on November 21 last year after reports emerged that a group was selling personal data related to death registrations. If a deceased person did not previously have a birth registration, it must first be completed before processing the death registration.
Some individuals gained access to such information and began misusing it for financial gain. Upon learning of this, certain services in the system were suspended, including new applications for death registration, printing of death certificates, and reissuance of death certificates.
However, according to the Registrar General’s Office, although online applications are closed, anyone can still apply by visiting the registration office in person.
Birth and death registration are now extremely important civic services. Online application facilities were introduced to simplify access for citizens. A birth certificate is essential for children’s admission to educational institutions and various other purposes.
A death certificate is required for government allowances, inheritance matters, distribution of family property, pension claims, land and property transfers, and many other legal necessities. Previously, both birth and death registrations could be completed online; after submitting the application, applicants would collect a copy and visit the registrar’s office to receive the certificate.
This system saved citizens time and effort. While birth registration does not currently face such issues, the suspension of online death registration has increased public suffering and harassment.
Under the current rules, registration within 45 days of birth or death is free of charge. Registration between 45 days and five years costs 25 taka, and after five years costs 50 taka. Correction of information requires a fee of BDT 100.
After applying online, the certificate must be collected from the registrar. In Union Parishads (UP), the administrative officer or UP secretary serves as assistant registrar, and the UP chairman serves as registrar. In City Corporation areas, registration must be completed at the respective regional office. If online death registration were reinstated, it would save both time and money and reduce unnecessary complications.
Therefore, it is desirable to promptly resume online death registration services after addressing security concerns. We believe that all necessary security measures should be ensured before reopening this facility to relieve public suffering.
As part of enhanced security, a mobile number could be linked to each application. If verification is required, sending an OTP (One-Time Password) to the designated mobile number could provide a simple and effective solution to this problem.
