Bangladesh Restores ‘Except Israel’ Wording on Passports

Bangladesh Announces Reinstatement of ‘Except the Terrorist State of Israel’ on Passports

Shiite News: The Bangladeshi government has announced that it will once again include the phrase “Except the terrorist state of Israel” on general passports.

Speaking to journalists, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the restriction would be restored on general passports, while diplomatic passports already carry the condition. According to sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the decision is being made in line with Bangladesh’s longstanding foreign policy, public sentiment, and moral stance on the Palestinian issue.

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It is worth noting that in 2021, the government of Sheikh Hasina removed the phrase when introducing e-passports, which sparked strong criticism. Last year, the interim government also directed that the wording be reinstated. Bangladesh has never had diplomatic relations with Israel and still does not maintain any ties.

Officials also stated that changes are being made to the passport watermark, including the addition of an image of Abu Saeed, a symbol of the July public movement.