The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh recently terminated the Bangladesh Computer Council’s (BCC) access to the national ID database, disrupting businesses reliant on identity verification services provided by Digicon Global Services via its API platform, Porichoy. This move has halted customer onboarding for banks, fintech companies, and other entities.
The access revocation stems from legal violations in a 2022 agreement allowing Digicon, through BCC, to use EC data. The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, allocated 60% of revenue from verification fees to Digicon. Despite generating Tk 112 crore in revenue from over 450 clients, Digicon reportedly owes Tk 7 crore to government agencies.
Businesses have criticized the abrupt implementation of the decision, which has caused operational disruptions. Many, including Pathao and Nagad, claimed they were directed to use Porichoy by the EC when applying for direct access to NID verification services. While the EC began offering direct services recently, delays and limited access have further strained businesses.
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