In response to escalating Israeli military actions in Gaza and mounting domestic pressure, Bangladesh has reinstated the phrase “except Israel” on its passports, marking a return to a longstanding policy that restricts its citizens from traveling to the Jewish state. The decision comes amid escalating Israeli military actions in Gaza and growing public protests in Dhaka.
The Home Ministry issued the directive to reintroduce the inscription, which reads, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.” This move reverses a 2021 decision by the previous government to remove the clause in an effort to align with international passport standards. At that time, officials emphasized that the removal did not signify a change in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, which has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and refused to recognize Israel.
The reinstatement follows mass demonstrations in Dhaka, where tens of thousands gathered to protest Israel’s recent airstrikes in Gaza. Protesters demanded stronger government action in solidarity with Palestinians, including the restoration of the travel ban to Israel. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, responded by reimposing the restriction, reaffirming Bangladesh’s stance against normalizing ties with Israel.
Bangladesh remains one of the few countries that does not recognize Israel and maintains a strict travel ban for its citizens. The reintroduction of the “except Israel” clause underscores the nation’s continued support for Palestine and its opposition to Israeli policies in the occupied territories.
