Birth and death registration is a crucial process that establishes a person’s legal identity and ensures access to essential services. In Bangladesh, the Birth and Death Registration Information System (BDRIS) allows citizens to register, correct, and check the status of birth and death certificates online. The government has made it mandatory for every citizen to register their birth within 45 days of birth and a death within 30 days of occurrence.
Without proper registration, individuals may face difficulties in obtaining passports, voter IDs, NIDs, school admissions, healthcare benefits, and inheritance claims. This guide will walk you through the importance, process, correction methods, and ways to check registration status online.
Why Birth and Death Registration is Important?
Importance of Birth Registration: A birth certificate is more than just a piece of paper—it is the first legal document of an individual. It serves several purposes, such as:
- Legal Identity: A birth certificate is essential for obtaining a National ID card (NID), passports, and other identification documents.
- Education Enrollment: Schools and universities require birth certificates for admissions.
- Access to Government Benefits: Many government welfare programs, including stipends and healthcare benefits, require birth registration.
- Protection Against Child Marriage: In Bangladesh, a birth certificate helps enforce the legal marriage age (18 for females and 21 for males).
- Proof of Citizenship: Birth registration is essential for confirming Bangladeshi citizenship.
Importance of Death Registration: Just like birth registration, recording a person’s death is equally significant. It is required for:
- Inheritance and Property Claims: The family of the deceased may need a death certificate to transfer property and claim inheritance.
- Insurance and Pension Settlements: A death certificate is necessary to claim life insurance benefits and pensions.
- Legal Closure: Government records need to be updated to avoid fraudulent use of the deceased’s identity.
- Public Health Statistics: Death registration helps the government track mortality rates and improve healthcare policies.
How to Register a Birth or Death?
In Bangladesh, birth and death registrations can be done either online through BDRIS or offline by visiting the nearest Union Parishad, Municipality, or City Corporation office.
Steps for Birth Registration
- Collect and Fill the Application Form
- Obtain a birth registration form from your local authority or apply online at bdris.gov.bd.
- Attach Required Documents
- For a newborn, the required documents include:
- Hospital-issued birth certificate (if born in a hospital).
- Parent’s NID copies.
- Proof of residence (utility bill or address verification).
- For late registration (after 45 days), additional documents such as school certificates or an affidavit may be required.
- For a newborn, the required documents include:
- Submit the Application
- Submit the application online or at your Union Parishad/Municipality/City Corporation office.
- Pay the Registration Fee
- Registration within 45 days: Free of charge.
- After 45 days: A late fee applies (varies by location).
- Verification and Certificate Issuance
- The authority will verify the documents and approve the registration.
- Once approved, you can collect the certificate from the office or download it online.
Steps for Death Registration
- Obtain and Fill the Death Registration Form
- Available at bdris.gov.bd or local administrative offices.
- Attach Required Documents
- Required documents include:
- Medical certificate of death (from a hospital or certified doctor).
- NID card of the deceased.
- Proof of residence (if available).
- Affidavit (if the death was not recorded in a hospital).
- Required documents include:
- Submit the Application
- Submit the completed form along with documents at the Union Parishad/Municipality/City Corporation office.
- Pay the Applicable Fee
- Within 30 days: Free of charge.
- After 30 days: Late registration fees apply.
- Verification and Certificate Issuance
- The local registrar verifies the details before approving the application.
- The certificate can be collected in person or downloaded from the BDRIS portal.
How to Correct Mistakes in Birth or Death Certificates?
Mistakes in birth or death certificates are common and can cause issues when applying for passports, NIDs, or other legal documents. Fortunately, the BDRIS system allows for corrections.
Steps to Correct a Mistake in Birth/Death Certificate
- Visit BDRIS Portal
- Go to bdris.gov.bd and select Correction Request.
- Choose the Type of Correction
- Corrections can be made for name, birth date, parent’s name, spelling errors, or other details.
- Attach Necessary Supporting Documents
- NID card (for adults).
- School certificate (for students).
- Court affidavit (for legal name corrections).
- Hospital record (for medical-related corrections).
- Submit and Pay Fees
- Fees vary depending on the type of correction and authority verification.
- Approval and Certificate Update
- The application is reviewed and approved by local authorities before issuing a corrected certificate.
How to Check Birth or Death Registration Status?
After applying, you can check the status of your birth or death registration online.
Steps to Check Registration Status
- Visit BDRIS Website
- Go to bdris.gov.bd.
- Enter the Tracking Number
- This number is provided when submitting the application.
- View the Status
- The system will show whether your application is pending, under review, or approved.
- Download the Certificate (If Approved)
- Once approved, you can download a digital copy or collect the printed version from the respective office.
Conclusion
Birth and death registration is a fundamental right and a legal necessity. The government of Bangladesh has made the process easier through the BDRIS online platform, allowing people to register, correct, and check their certificates conveniently. Timely registration is crucial to avoid complications in legal matters, property claims, and access to essential services.