In a significant policy reversal, Bangladesh is reinstating the phrase “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel” in its passports, following mounting public pressure. This decision was announced by the Department of Immigration on Tuesday, responding to widespread dissatisfaction with the removal of the clause by the previous government in 2021.
Until that year, Bangladeshi passports included the “except Israel” statement, but it was quietly eliminated when new travel documents were introduced without public notice. Authorities had claimed the removal was necessary to “maintain international standards,” a justification that did not sit well with many citizens in a country that has no diplomatic ties with Israel.
The new interim government, which assumed power in August after the ousting of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has chosen to revert this decision. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Nurus Salam, director of the passport department, confirmed the directive to restore the clause, stating, “We are currently working to implement it.”
Salam emphasized the historical significance of the clause, noting that it had been a longstanding feature of Bangladeshi passports. “We were used to seeing ‘except Israel’ written in our passports. I don’t know why they took it out. If you talk to people across the country, they want that line back in their passports,” he remarked.
The push to reinstate the clause has intensified in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated in October 2023, resulting in widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate over 51,000 casualties, with millions facing starvation as Israeli forces have effectively crippled the region’s infrastructure while obstructing humanitarian aid.
Calls for a clear ban on travel to Israel were among the key demands raised during numerous solidarity protests in Dhaka, particularly following Israel’s recent military actions against civilians. The largest protest saw around 1 million people rallying in the capital, urging the international community, especially Muslim nations, to sever ties with Israel and impose sanctions.
“This decision will definitely be welcomed by the people,” Salam stated, although he could not provide a timeline for when the updated passports will be available. “There are technical challenges involved with this change… We may need another week to finalize the necessary procedures,” he added, noting that they are also exploring options to modify existing passport stock.
As Bangladesh takes this step, the move reflects the sentiments of a populace largely in support of a clear stance against Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
+ There are no comments
Add yours