Affidavit (Holofnama) in Bangladesh: Format, Notary Public, Name Correction and Validity
Offices in Bangladesh ask for an affidavit for almost everything: a name that differs between NID and certificate, a lost document, a marriage, a guardian. Most people get one from the first notary they find, and many are rejected. Here is what an affidavit is, who can attest it, what a good one contains, and when it will not work.
- An affidavit is a sworn written statement of facts
- Sworn before a notary public or a magistrate
- No legal expiry, but offices often want a recent one
- An affidavit alone does not change an NID or certificate
In this guide: Common types of affidavit · What a good affidavit contains · How to make an affidavit, step by step · Notary public: role and cost · Name correction: NID, certificates and passport · How long is an affidavit valid?
The short answer
An affidavit, or holofnama, is a written statement of facts that you swear is true before a notary public or a magistrate. It is printed on non-judicial stamp paper, signed by you and attested with the notary’s seal and registration number. Lying in an affidavit is a criminal offence, which is why offices accept it as evidence. It supports an application, such as a name correction, but the office still decides; the affidavit does not change any record by itself.
Common types of affidavit
| Affidavit | Used for |
|---|---|
| Name correction / same person | Showing that two spellings or names belong to one person, for NID, passport, bank or certificates |
| Date of birth | Supporting a correction request; boards and the NID wing decide on documents, not on the affidavit alone |
| Lost document | Applying for a duplicate certificate, deed copy or card, usually with a GD |
| Marital status | Unmarried, married or divorced declarations for embassies and employers |
| Income or dependency | Scholarships, visas and some government schemes |
| Guardianship and consent | A parent’s consent for a child’s travel or school |
What a good affidavit contains
- Your full name, father’s and mother’s names, address and NID number.
- Numbered paragraphs, one fact each, in plain words.
- For a name correction: the correct name, each wrong version, and the document where each appears.
- A verification line: the facts are true to your knowledge.
- Your signature, the notary’s seal, registration number, date and register entry.
Avoid copying a format word for word from the internet. The receiving office often wants specific wording; ask for its requirement first.
How to make an affidavit, step by step
- Find out exactly what the office needs: which facts, which language, and whether a notary or a magistrate must attest.
- Draft it on non-judicial stamp paper of the value currently required.
- Go in person with your NID and supporting documents. The notary must see you sign.
- Check the attestation: seal, registration number, date and signature.
- Keep a copy and, for use abroad, have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or apostilled.
Notary public: role and cost
A notary public is a lawyer appointed by the government under the Notaries Ordinance 1961. Notaries attest signatures, certify copies, administer oaths on affidavits and note protests. Charges vary with the document and the number of pages; ask for the full amount before you start.
Check the seal shows the notary’s name, registration number and area. Affidavits from unregistered “notary” shops are a common reason for rejection, and a fake attestation is a criminal offence.
Name correction: NID, certificates and passport
- NID: apply online through the Election Commission’s NID services with supporting documents such as SSC certificate, birth certificate or passport. An affidavit helps, but the NID wing decides on documents.
- SSC and other certificates: apply to the education board. Changes to a date of birth are tightly limited.
- Passport: follows the NID. Correct the NID first, then the passport.
- Bank and land records: a same-person affidavit, with NID and the old document, usually works.
Fix the source record first. An affidavit cannot cure a mismatch between the NID and the certificate it was based on.
How long is an affidavit valid?
The law sets no expiry. In practice embassies, banks and some offices want an affidavit sworn within the last three to six months, because circumstances such as marital status can change. If the facts have not changed, you may still be asked for a fresh one. Ask the receiving office.
Ask the office
Which facts, which wording, which officer.
Draft carefully
One fact per paragraph; correct stamp paper.
Swear in person
Before a registered notary or magistrate.
Attest for abroad
Ministry of Foreign Affairs or apostille.
Common questions
What is an affidavit or holofnama?
A written statement of facts sworn as true before a notary public or magistrate. Lying in it is a criminal offence.
Who can attest an affidavit in Bangladesh?
A notary public appointed under the Notaries Ordinance 1961, or a magistrate. Some offices specify which one they accept.
How long is an affidavit valid?
There is no legal expiry, but many offices and embassies want one sworn within the last three to six months.
What does a name-correction affidavit contain?
Your correct name, each wrong version, the documents where each appears, a statement that all refer to you, and your NID details, attested by a notary or magistrate.
Can an affidavit change my NID name?
Not by itself. Apply to the NID wing online with supporting documents; the affidavit only supports the application.
How much does an affidavit cost?
The stamp paper plus the notary's charge, which varies with the document and pages. Ask for the total first.
What is a notary public?
A lawyer appointed by the government to attest signatures, certify copies and administer oaths on affidavits.
How do I use a Bangladesh affidavit abroad?
Have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or apostilled, and add a certified translation if needed.
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