Bangladesh (Monitoring Desk) The government of Bangladesh has decided to reintroduce the clause in general passports stating that “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the move is being described as consistent with the country’s traditional foreign policy stance and public sentiment regarding the Palestinian issue.
Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the directive has already been implemented for diplomatic passports, while it will soon be restored in regular passports as well.
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department stated that the decision reflects Bangladesh’s long-standing position, as the country has neither had diplomatic relations with Israel in the past nor at present.
Reports further note that the clause was removed in 2021 during the introduction of the e-passport system, which faced criticism from various circles.
Authorities also indicated that along with this policy change, adjustments are being made to passport design and watermarks, including updates to historical and political imagery.