In a landmark decision, the High Court of Bangladesh has ruled that National Identity Cards (NIDs) cannot be issued without photographs, bringing an end to a legal challenge seeking alternative identification methods for individuals who object to being photographed on religious grounds.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by a High Court bench comprising Justice Md. Iqbal Kabir and Justice S.M. Saiful Islam. The court dismissed a previously issued rule that had questioned whether alternative biometric identification methods could replace photographs on National ID cards.

According to lawyers representing the Election Commission, the ruling confirms that there is no legal provision allowing the issuance of National Identity Cards without photographs.

The case was originally filed in 2022 by Sumaiya Ahmad Muna, a resident of Shantinagar, Dhaka. She argued that, as a practicing Muslim woman who observes strict purdah, her religious beliefs prevent her from being photographed. She requested that the Election Commission provide an alternative method of identification so she could obtain an NID without compromising her religious convictions.

In her application to the Election Commission, Muna stated that the absence of a National Identity Card had prevented her from accessing various public services and opportunities available to Bangladeshi citizens. After receiving no resolution from the authorities, she sought judicial intervention through a writ petition.

Following an initial hearing in March 2022, the High Court issued a rule asking why alternative identification methods, including other biometric features, should not be considered for NID issuance. However, after reviewing the case, the court ultimately dismissed the rule and upheld the existing requirement for photographs.

The decision means that photographs will remain a mandatory component of Bangladesh’s National Identity Card system, and alternative biometric methods alone will not be sufficient for obtaining an NID.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for national identification policies, voter registration, access to government services, and identity verification procedures across the country.