Hail our women

To assure her, I say “I have my NID (National Identification Database) card number” - thinking, for my new account, all they need is my NID card number for the bank’s paperwork. I recognize their audit requirements: a hard copy of my NID card with my other account related papers.

I still wish the bank could start its formalities straight away - paper work takes time too - while I am collecting my new smart NID card. I am no stranger to the bank - have been banking with them for the past few years. Alas, my request fails to sway the senior officer of the bank! She is persistent and eloquently asserts: Bangladesh Bank has issued a Decree – all banks should get Election Commission’s verification before originating a new account for a client. For that reason, a client needs to present his/her original NID card to the bank representative.

Very apologetically she expresses her inability to help me, until I have my replacement card and bring it to them. Although I am impressed with her professionalism, I am anxious too.

I know that to comply with the government rules, I must brave through Dhaka’s traffic-clogged roads to go to the Election Commission and other related offices. Immediately, the images of inefficient bureaucracies of government offices dawned on me: the entire process of my NID card collection now appears to me as a long-drawn out process.

I fear that I might not be able to open my bank account during this short stay in Dhaka. All these thoughts overwhelm me. For a moment, I am tempted to use my connection with the bank’s top management but my morals hold me back.

I am cross with my tardiness. Pondering, why I didn't check it earlier, and had it replaced ahead of time! All this time my compassionate cousin (residing in Dhaka), who has been accompanying me since morning, comforts me. Her assurance makes me feel more composed- she promises that she will see me through the entire process till I get my NID card. I feel privileged having such a kind-hearted cousin sister.

But, as her voice and words waft through the air- I cringe! I notice, she is on her phone with one of her acquaintances, who knows all the details of the NID card procedures.

As soon as she hangs her phone down, I am flabbergasted and say, “I did not do any crime! It is just that I have lost my NID card.” She sympathizes with me, understands the cause of my agitation: my short and sporadic visits to Dhaka, and my unfamiliarity with the evolving bureaucracies.

It is mandatory that for every lost NID card replacement, one needs to write a police report at his/her local police station. Hearing about police involvement, I am now a nervous wreck!

All sorts of images begin to pop into my head: A police-station - crowded with criminals, chained prisoners, long line in front of the information desk, police carrying arms and busily walking around…. I lose my focus and am finding it hard to write anything for my NID related police report. Then my ever so kind cousin helps me to write the police report for my lost NID card.

We are on our way to the local police station the next morning. We both are nervous as we have never been to a police station in our life. Images of police stations have already been drawn in our head after watching movies and TV news. It is now about mid-morning, the police station looks empty and clean, a gated compound, with tall trees towering the police office building, a few police cars are nicely parked in their allotted parking area. Police guards are standing at the gate, and through the open doors we see duty police officers at their desks. We walk inside, a pleasant female duty officer offers her service.

She is sitting among her male colleagues in the same police uniform. She is professional and confident. She gets my police report promptly approved and stamps my report!! Everything done in a zip! I scan the area quickly - no criminal or prisoner is visible in the vicinity; the police officers are sparsely situated. Gradually my skepticism wears off. This calm and conducive atmosphere could not possibly match my earlier mental images of a police station.

I timidly ask her if I could take a photo of them and their office. Without any hesitation she and her colleagues strike a pose for my Iphone camera (I bet they liked my niceties). I put my Iphone back in my bag, lock it tightly, and bid good bye to them.

While sitting in the car and musing, I am anxious now since I do not know the exact address of the Election Commission office. This is a new development complex; my local companion is not familiar with the area either. But we know if we could locate the building we will be able to find her office. She is an officer in the NID office and, as soon as I meet her in her room, she sends me to the other building for my fingerprints and eye measurements. Only after that I will get my Smart card.

Fortunately, the other office building is in the same complex. I come to the office where they will get my finger prints etc. As I enter I find relevant officers at their desks, female officers (some in hijabs) confidently working with their male counterparts. No inhibition!

I watch them as they are all busy working, and they are nonchalant! - I feel good to experience in real, the Western buzz word "Women Empowerment." This is indeed women empowerment - here in Dhaka!

Finally, all procedures are done and I get my Smart card (NID card).

This is a moment to rejoice! I want to tell everyone how proud I am! Seeing them in their high, responsible positions - I feel that Bangladeshi women don't need any more a chicken and poultry farm kit as their empowerment tool.

I am thrilled and intrigued! I would have never experienced it had I not lost my NID card. I come back to the bank and hand it over to the bank’s senior officer. She now has all the papers and documents necessary for my new account.

This time, I have no more apprehension. I know for sure I will get the check books for my new account before it is time to end my Dhaka sojourn!