Bangladesh Restores 'Except Israel' Clause On Passports (image-x/@eyeonpalestine)
After 14 years, Bangladesh has renewed its passport by adding a new clause that effectively prohibits its citizens from travelling to Israel, as public anger mounts over Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official directive on April 7, instructing the Department of Immigration and Passports to reintroduce the clause stating, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel,” as confirmed by Deputy Secretary Nilima Afroz to Anadolu Agency on Sunday.
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During the term of Sheikh Hasina government in 2021, the specific wording was removed from the passport, citing the need to comply with global passport norms. This move drew sharp criticism in the predominantly Muslim nation. The decision was not well received by the public. Moreover, aside from removing the phrase, the Hasina government had allegedly procured Israeli spyware to surveil political opponents, despite Bangladesh not having diplomatic ties with Israel.
However, the travel ban to Israel remained intact despite the removal of the clause.
The decision to reintroduce the wording was formalised through the signature of Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who currently serves as the home affairs advisor, according to Afroz. Last August, the Hasina government has been overthrown following intense anti-government protests. Since the change in government, the public has demanded the reinstatement of the original clause in response to Israel’s increased genocidal aggression in Gaza.
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On Saturday, at least 100,000 protesters filled the streets of Dhaka in solidarity with the Palestinians. A core demand voiced during the rally was the reinstatement of the “except Israel” clause on Bangladeshi passports.
Meanwhile, Israel has resumed its genocidal war on Gaza following a unilateral end to the ceasefire. According to reports, 1,574 Palestinians were killed during recent operations. With the latest escalation, the death toll has surpassed 62,000, with most of the victims being women and children.
