Bangladesh reinstates 'Except Israel' clause in passports
Bangladesh has decided to bring back the words “Except Israel” in its passports, prohibiting citizens from travelling to Israel.
The country had removed the phrase from its new electronic passports in 2021, but the travel ban remained in place. Now, the government says the words must be printed again to make the rule clear.
The Home Ministry sent a letter to the Department of Immigration and Passports on April 7 asking them to put the line back. A senior official from the ministry confirmed the decision on April 13.
Bangladeshi passports will once again say, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”
The move comes as many people in Bangladesh are showing anger over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Large crowds gathered in Dhaka over the weekend to demand an end to the violence against Palestinians.
“This is not just about words on a passport,” said Nilima Afroze, a deputy secretary at the Home Ministry. “It’s a reflection of the country’s policy and public feeling.”
Bangladesh has never had diplomatic ties with Israel. The country has long supported the Palestinian cause and continues to call for peace in the Middle East.
