Dhaka, Apr 13 (V7N) – The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the Department of Immigration and Passports to reinstate the ‘except Israel’ clause in Bangladeshi passports, reversing a controversial change made during the previous government’s tenure.

The directive was communicated through a notification signed by Neela Akhter, Deputy Secretary of the Security Division, on April 7, and became public today, Sunday (April 13).

According to the notice, “It is requested to take necessary measures to reinstate the ‘except Israel’ clause in Bangladeshi passports as before by completing the relevant process with importance on the above issue.”

Until recently, Bangladeshi passports carried a statement clearly mentioning that they were valid for all countries except Israel, reflecting Bangladesh’s foreign policy stance on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

However, in 2020, under the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the clause was silently removed with the introduction of electronic passports (e-passports). No formal announcement was made at the time, leading to public confusion and criticism from various quarters who accused the government of shifting its stance on Israel.

The new directive is seen as an effort by the current administration to restore the country’s historical diplomatic position. Bangladesh, a firm supporter of Palestinian statehood, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

Political analysts view this move as an effort to reassert Bangladesh’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, especially in light of recent international developments and rising domestic demand for clarity on foreign policy matters.

Further administrative steps are expected soon to update passport issuance systems and reintroduce the clause officially.

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