Bangladesh Restores “Except Israel” Phrase on Passports

Bangladesh has brought back the phrase “except Israel” on its passports, effectively banning citizens from traveling to Israel, Arab News reported. This move follows increased tensions and protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The phrase, a long-standing feature of Bangladeshi passports, was removed in 2021 during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

Nilima Afroze, a deputy secretary in the home ministry, stated that a directive was issued last week to reinstate the inscription. Although the phrase was previously removed, the government asserted that its position on Israel had not changed.

The reinstatement of the phrase reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing support for Palestinian independence, as evidenced by a recent rally in Dhaka that attracted around 100,000 participants in solidarity with Gaza. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with over 50,000 deaths reported since the war began following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.