Bangladesh has decided to restore the wording “except Israel” on its general passports. The decision reverses a change made in previous years.
Authorities confirmed that the phrase will again appear on ordinary passports. It was already present on diplomatic passports in an earlier step.
Officials said the move reflects long-standing policy positions. They also linked it to public sentiment and national foreign policy on Palestine.
The wording had been removed in 2021. That change came during the launch of the e-passport system in Bangladesh.
The e-passport project was a major digital upgrade. It reportedly cost around Tk 4,500 crore.
However, the removal of the phrase faced criticism at that time. Many argued it changed a long-standing passport rule.
Now, Bangladesh has decided to restore the restriction. The Home Affairs Adviser confirmed the update to local media.
The decision will apply to general passports as well. It is already active for diplomatic travel documents.
Officials from the Home Ministry and Immigration Department supported the move. They said it aligns with the country’s historical position.
Bangladesh has never established formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Since independence in 1971, passports carried the “except Israel” condition.
Authorities said the policy is being reintroduced in line with that tradition. They added that administrative steps are already underway.
The interim government had also considered a similar move earlier. A directive was issued in April, but full implementation did not take place.
Now the decision is expected to be enforced more widely. Officials have not yet given a final rollout date.
Alongside this change, Bangladesh is also updating passport watermark designs. One new image will feature Abu Sayeed with outstretched arms.
This symbol is linked to the July public movement in the country. It is expected to appear in future passport versions.
At the same time, several existing images are being removed. These include national memorial and historical site references.
Bangladesh officials say these updates are part of broader passport revisions. They include both design and policy-level changes.
The government has stated that further updates may follow. However, no additional changes have been officially announced yet.
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The latest move highlights how passport policies in Bangladesh continue to evolve. It also reflects the country’s ongoing political and diplomatic positioning.
