Bangladesh restores 'except for Israel' passport clause

Bangladesh's Home Ministry on Sunday ordered immigration authorities to restore the phrase "except for Israel" on the country's e-passports, reversing a controversial change made four years ago under ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Policy reversal

The directive mandates that passports again bear the words "THIS PASSPORT IS VALID FOR ALL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD EXCEPT ISRAEL," a formulation the ministry said reflects Bangladesh's foreign policy and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Officials noted the decision aligns with public sentiment following the July-August 2024 uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule.

Uprising commemorations

The ministry directed that watermarks honoring those killed during the monsoon protests be incorporated into new travel documents, replacing certain imagery associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding leader. Hasina fled to India on August 5 as demonstrations culminated in her ouster, and has remained in exile there since.

Diplomatic stance

Bangladesh does not recognize the state of Israel and has never maintained diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. The ministry stated that the 2020 removal of the exclusion clause had contradicted the nation's long-standing position on Palestinian rights.

Approximately 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the July-August uprising, according to United Nations figures.