Government Reintroduces Previous Passport Wording
Bangladesh’s government announced that it will restore wording on ordinary passports stating restrictions related to Israel, reaffirming the country’s longstanding position regarding the Palestinian issue, according to reports on Sunday.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that authorities would once again include the phrase in regular passports.
Officials also noted that similar wording had already remained in place for diplomatic passports.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Passports said the decision aligns with Bangladesh’s established foreign policy position, public sentiment, and continued support for the Palestinian cause.
Authorities stated that the phrase declaring passports valid for all countries except Israel had historically appeared on Bangladeshi travel documents for many years.
Additionally, officials described the move as part of maintaining consistency with previous policies and diplomatic positions.
Officials Cite Historical Policy and Public Response
According to local reports, Bangladesh removed the wording in 2021 during the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when authorities introduced an electronic passport system.
Reports stated that the e-passport project involved large-scale technological upgrades and administrative changes to travel documentation systems.
However, the decision to remove the wording generated criticism from sections of the public and political groups at the time.
Critics reportedly argued that the change did not reflect Bangladesh’s longstanding approach toward issues involving Israel and Palestine.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues maintaining its established diplomatic position and does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Additionally, the country has consistently expressed support for Palestinian statehood through international platforms and diplomatic forums.
