Bangladesh’s interim government has reinstated a travel ban to Israel following widespread public criticism. On April 13, 2025, Deputy Secretary of the Home Ministry, Nilima Afroze, reported that the order, issued on April 7, 2025, brings back a clause in Bangladeshi passports stating, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.” The decision reverses a 2021 policy change and reflects the country’s response to regional dynamics.
In 2021, under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the clause was removed to align Bangladeshi passports with international standards. The move sparked controversy, with many citizens viewing it as a departure from Bangladesh’s longstanding support for Palestine. The 2021 decision was seen as an attempt to modernize passport protocols but drew criticism for appearing to soften the country’s stance on Israel, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The officials at the time stated that their stance on Israel remained unchanged. Public protests and calls from political and religious groups intensified pressure on the interim government to restore the restriction.
Although Bangladesh does not recognize Israel, Hasina’s government — removed from power in August after widespread protests — was accused of using Israeli spyware to surveil political opponents.
This change arrived only one day after Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, witnessed its biggest pro-Palestinian rally on 12 April. The rally received support from former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and various right-wing Islamic groups and parties. The primary demonstration took place at Suhrawardy Udyan in central Dhaka, close to Dhaka University. The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that the death toll of Gaza Palestinians killed by Israel since October 2023 was more than 50,000.
The new order was approved by Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the adviser for home affairs, on April 14, 2025. It has been met with approval locally and internationally. The reinstated ban prohibits Bangladeshi citizens from traveling to Israel, with strict enforcement measures in place. Former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, speaking to Al Jazeera, emphasized that legal action would be taken against violators.
This policy shift occurs against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and global debates over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Bangladesh has historically supported Palestine, reflecting the sentiments of its population. The travel ban aligns with similar restrictions in other Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran, which also prohibit travel to Israel due to political and ideological reasons.
