Bangladesh to restore ‘Except Israel’ clause on passports

Bangladesh’s government has announced that it will restore the phrase “except Israel” on ordinary passports, reaffirming the country’s longstanding position on the Palestinian issue, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to Bangladeshi media reports, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told journalists that the restriction would once again be included in general passports, adding that the policy had already been implemented for diplomatic passports.

Officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Passports said the move was being reinstated in line with the country’s long-standing foreign policy, public sentiment, and moral support for the Palestinian cause.

The wording, stating that the passport is “valid for all countries except Israel,” had historically appeared on Bangladeshi passports for decades.

According to local media, the phrase was removed in 2021 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when Bangladesh introduced an electronic passport system reportedly costing around 45 billion taka.

The decision at the time triggered criticism from sections of the public and political groups who viewed the removal as inconsistent with Bangladesh’s traditional stance on Israel and Palestine.

Bangladesh does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has consistently supported Palestinian statehood in international forums.