The government plans to reduce the number of mobile SIMs that can be registered under a single national ID before the upcoming national election, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

He made the remarks on Sunday while briefing journalists after the 15th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.

According to the adviser, under the current rule, a mobile user can register up to 15 SIMs against one National Identity Card (NID).

From October 30, the number will be brought down to 10. Before the national election, efforts will be made to reduce it even further,” he said.

Explaining the reason behind the move, Jahangir said some people use SIM cards registered in other names to commit crimes, making it difficult to trace the real offenders. “That’s why the number of SIMs per individual will be reduced,” he said.

Responding to a question about ensuring a level playing field for the election, the adviser said no political party has raised any objection on this issue.

There was a level playing field during the interim government’s earlier tenure, it exists now, and it will continue in the future,” he asserted.

He also said there has been no bias in recruitment or posting within law enforcement agencies.

All appointments and transfers have been carried out transparently, and all necessary preparations are being taken to ensure a fair and peaceful election,” he added.