The government of Bangladesh has returned the words “except Israel” to its passports, officially prohibiting citizens from traveling to the Jewish country. The action comes after large-scale public protests in Dhaka against Israel’s continued military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
From state-owned news outlet BSS, the Home Ministry on Wednesday issued a directive to the Department of Passports and Immigration to reinstate the condition: “THIS PASSPORT IS VALID FOR ALL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD EXCEPT ISRAEL.”
Home Ministry Deputy Secretary Nilima Afroze on Thursday acknowledged the development, saying, “We issued the letter (directive) on April 7.”
Reversal of 2021 Policy Decision
The reversal goes back on a 2021 move by the previous Awami League government, led by the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which took away the wording to bring Bangladeshi passports in accordance with global norms. Authorities made it clear then that removing the ban did not amount to recognition of Israel.
Public Demonstrations Force the Decision
The declaration was made a day after an estimated 100,000 protesters marched in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan, waving Palestinian flags and shouting slogans like “Free, Free Palestine.” The protesters were angry at the increasing number of deaths in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes.
The demonstrators marched with symbolic coffins and effigies of world leaders, such as Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Narendra Modi, blaming them for facilitating the military aggression of Israel. The demonstration reflected popular public support of Palestinians and public condemnation of the policies of Israel.
Political and Religious Parties Join In
The mass rally was attended by different political and Islamist forces, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Islamist forces also expressed their support, increasing the national rhetoric against Israel.
No Diplomatic Relations with Israel
Bangladesh, the 170-million-strong Muslim country, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and remains a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and their right to self-determination. In this context, the reimposition of the travel ban is regarded not only as a symbolic gesture but also as a political one that strongly captures public opinion and carefully aligns with national policy.
