What is the Short Code of Birth-Death Registration? In Bangladesh, registering births and deaths is a crucial part of maintaining national records and ensuring citizens’ rights.
This process allows the government to keep track of the population and provides important legal documentation for various personal and official matters. One of the most convenient ways to register birth and death information is by using the designated shortcode.
What is the Short Code of Birth-Death Registration?
The official shortcode for birth and death registration in Bangladesh is 16152. This shortcode allows citizens to conveniently access birth and death registration services directly from their mobile phones or landline telephones.
The shortcode is specifically designed to simplify the process, making it easier for people to engage with government services, even in remote areas where other means of communication might not be as readily available.
How to Use the Shortcode 16152?
To register a birth or death in Bangladesh using the shortcode 16152, follow these simple steps:
- Dial the Shortcode: From any mobile phone or landline number, simply dial 16152 during office hours. The service is available only during business hours, which are typically from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
- Follow the Automated Instructions: Once you dial the shortcode, an automated system will guide you through the necessary steps. It is essential to have all the relevant information available when calling. This includes details such as the name of the deceased or the newborn, the date of birth or death, parents’ information (for births), and the place of occurrence.
- Provide the Required Information: Depending on whether you’re registering a birth or death, the system will prompt you to provide specific information, such as:
- For birth registration: Name, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, address, and the hospital or place where the birth occurred.
- For death registration: Name of the deceased, date of death, cause of death, place of death, and the deceased’s relatives’ details.
- Confirmation and Record Keeping: After submitting the required information, you will receive a confirmation message with a reference number. This confirmation will help you track the status of your registration. You will also be able to use the reference number to follow up with the relevant authorities.
Why is Birth and Death Registration Important in Bangladesh?
The registration of births and deaths is vital for multiple reasons, ranging from legal documentation to social and administrative purposes. Below are the key reasons why this registration process is important:
- Legal Recognition and Identity: A birth certificate serves as proof of identity for individuals. It is necessary for accessing various public services, including education, healthcare, and government welfare programs. For deaths, a death certificate is essential for legal matters such as inheritance, property claims, and closure of accounts.
- Census and Population Control: Accurate and up-to-date data on births and deaths are essential for national statistics. This data helps the government plan for population growth, resource allocation, healthcare needs, and social services.
- Public Health Monitoring: Tracking the causes of death is important for monitoring public health trends. It helps the authorities address public health concerns, control diseases, and allocate healthcare resources more efficiently.
- Social Security and Welfare: Birth and death registrations are crucial for administering various social security and welfare programs. These registrations allow the government to distribute benefits such as pensions, child allowances, and insurance to the right individuals.
- International Recognition: Having a registered birth or death is critical for legal purposes when an individual travels or moves abroad. It serves as proof of identity, citizenship, and nationality when applying for visas, passports, or immigration-related services.
Challenges Faced in Birth and Death Registration
Despite the benefits, there are several challenges to efficient birth and death registration in Bangladesh. Some of the common issues include:
- Awareness Gaps: Many people in rural areas are not fully aware of the importance of registering births and deaths or the procedures involved. This lack of awareness often results in delayed or incomplete registrations.
- Access to Services: In remote areas, people may have limited access to telecommunication services, and thus, cannot take advantage of shortcodes or digital registration methods. This poses a significant barrier for many citizens to register events in a timely manner.
- Technical and Administrative Hurdles: Even though the registration system is automated, there are still instances where technical issues or administrative bottlenecks can delay the process. This includes difficulty in verifying information or processing large volumes of registrations at once.
- Data Accuracy: Ensuring the accuracy of the recorded information is another challenge. Incorrect information or documentation may lead to complications for individuals when using their certificates for other official purposes.
Government is Taking to Improve Registration
The Bangladesh government has been making consistent efforts to improve the birth and death registration system, ensuring better access and reliability of services. Some of the initiatives include:
- Mobile Registration Units: The government has introduced mobile registration units that travel to remote areas, helping citizens who do not have easy access to telecommunication infrastructure. These units assist in registering births and deaths, reducing geographical barriers.
- Awareness Campaigns: To address the lack of awareness, various public service campaigns are conducted, especially in rural and underserved areas, to educate people about the importance of registration and how to register their events.
- Digitalization of Records: Bangladesh has been taking steps to digitize birth and death records to ensure quicker and more efficient registration processes. This initiative is expected to help maintain accurate records and allow citizens to access their certificates online.
- Collaboration with Local Bodies: The government collaborates with local government bodies, including municipalities and union councils, to ensure that the registration process is widespread and efficient. These bodies help in registering births and deaths, especially in rural regions.
Conclusion
The shortcode for birth and death registration, 16152, plays a significant role in simplifying the process of official registration in Bangladesh.
By providing an easy-to-use service, the government has made it more accessible for citizens to register vital events. However, challenges remain, especially in remote areas, and continued efforts to raise awareness, improve accessibility, and digitize records are crucial for making the registration process more effective.