Bangladesh has restored a controversial clause in its Passports policy, once again stating that Bangladeshi passports are valid for all countries except Israel. The move marks a reversal of a decision made in 2020 during the government of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to local media reports, the sentence “valid for all countries except Israel” has now been reintroduced in Bangladeshi Passports. The wording had been removed four years ago as part of a broader update to the country’s travel documents.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the development while speaking to journalists. He said the restriction related to Israel would again apply to ordinary passports issued to Bangladeshi citizens. He also stated that the same restriction has already been implemented for diplomatic passports.
Officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Passports said the decision reflects the country’s long-standing foreign policy regarding Palestine. They added that the move also aligns with public opinion and Bangladesh’s moral stance on the issue.
The restored clause does not directly ban citizens from travelling to Israel. However, the wording officially states that Bangladeshi Passports are not valid for travel to the country. Similar wording existed in Bangladeshi passports for decades before it was removed in 2020.
At that time, the Sheikh Hasina government had said the change was part of efforts to bring Bangladeshi passports in line with international standards. Officials had also clarified that Bangladesh’s position on Israel had not changed despite the removal of the clause.
Bangladesh does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause in international forums. Public demonstrations and political support for Palestine remain common across the country.
The latest decision has sparked discussion both inside Bangladesh and internationally. Supporters say the move reflects the country’s consistent foreign policy. Others view it as a symbolic political step linked to growing public sentiment over the Palestinian issue.
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Authorities have not yet announced when all newly issued passports will carry the restored wording. However, officials confirmed that the process to update the documents has already begun.
