Bangladesh restores the phrase “except Israel” on passports, expressing support for Palestine in the face of protests in Gaza and growing popular indignation.
Bangladesh Reimposes Israel Travel Ban Over Gaza Conflict:
Bangladesh has reintroduced the words “except Israel” on its passports. Prohibiting its residents from traveling to the Jewish state, in a decision that reflects growing national and international concern over the Gaza conflict. There has been a lot of debate over this judgment in human rights, religious, and diplomatic forums.
The measure was taken in response to growing resentment in Bangladesh. Other nations with a majority of Muslims are over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have killed thousands of civilians. The action taken by the government is regarded as a powerful political and symbolic show of support for the Palestinian people.
Why the Change Matters?
Until 2021, Bangladeshi passports carried the sentence, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.” However, that sentence was quietly removed under the Awami League government led by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Officials at the time said it was done to align Bangladesh’s passports with international standards, as most modern passports do not mention any specific country exclusions.
The removal created confusion and speculation about whether Bangladesh was planning to normalize relations with Israel. The foreign ministry had clarified that removing the sentence did not mean lifting the travel ban. However, critics believed it weakened Bangladesh’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
Protests Over Gaza:
The increase in violence in Gaza has a direct bearing on the decision to reinstate the ban in April 2025. In recent weeks, thousands of demonstrators in Bangladesh have reportedly taken to the streets to call for a more robust government response to Israeli aggression. Mass protests have been held in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other cities, with protesters chanting anti-Israeli slogans and waving Palestinian flags.
The government of Bangladesh made the decision to reaffirm its position, probably in response to public and religious pressure. The Department of Immigration and Passports was formally ordered by the Home Ministry on Sunday to reproduce the previous iteration of the inscription.
Government Statement:
According to the state-run BSS news agency, the government stated:
“This choice is in line with the feelings of the people of Bangladesh, who support Palestine.” The statement also added that Bangladesh has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has always supported Palestinian independence under a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
How Competitors Are Covering the Story:
Most competitor news outlets focused on the timing of the decision and its symbolic impact. Key points they highlight include:
- The move is a political message to Israel and its allies.
- Bangladesh wants to show its moral alignment with Palestine.
- The change on passports is unlikely to have a practical effect since Bangladeshi citizens were never allowed to visit Israel anyway.
However, this article adds a unique angle by also exploring public reaction, historical context, and the global implications of this diplomatic gesture.
International Reaction:
As of now, Israel has not issued an official response, but analysts believe the move won’t go unnoticed. In 2021, when Bangladesh first dropped the “except Israel” clause, the Israeli Foreign Ministry welcomed the change, calling it a “step in the right direction.” They had even expressed hope that Bangladesh would one day establish formal diplomatic ties. That hope has now taken a hit. On the other hand, Palestinian representatives and pro-Palestinian activists have welcomed the Bangladeshi government’s move as an act of “bravery and justice.”
Bangladesh-Israel Relations:
It has never had formal diplomatic relations with Israel since its independence in 1971. Traveling to Israel has been strictly prohibited for Bangladeshi citizens, and any attempt to do so can lead to legal consequences. This recent decision reinforces that status. However, it also sends a message to the global community, particularly Western nations that are seen as supporters of Israel, that Bangladesh stands firm with the Palestinians.
Domestic Support and Criticism:
While most Bangladeshis have welcomed the reinstatement of the travel ban, some critics argue that symbolic gestures are not enough.
- Human rights activists suggest that the government should also push for international investigations into war crimes.
- Secular voices argue that banning travel based on nationality or religion limits diplomatic flexibility.
Still, for the majority, this move is viewed as a bold and necessary action at a time when the world is watching Gaza.
Travel and Legal Implications:
It is important to note that this policy does not introduce a new ban. It simply restates the old one more clearly.
Legally speaking:
- No Bangladeshi citizen is allowed to travel to Israel.
- If someone tries to go via a third country, they can face legal consequences, including passport cancellation or jail time.
- The clause now makes this very clear again in official documentation.
Broader Diplomatic Impact:
Despite being a minor actor on the international political scene. Bangladesh’s move might encourage other nations with a majority of Muslims to take more aggressive stances against Israel.
Activists are already calling on countries that do not recognize Israel, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, to follow suit in response to the Gaza situation. This might change the political landscape in the area and draw fresh focus to the continuing discussion about Palestinian rights.
Conclusion:
Reintroducing “except Israel” on passports may seem like a minor adjustment, but it has significant political and emotional ramifications. This move by the Bangladeshi government is a clear message in the wake of the bloodshed, displacement, and misery that have occurred in Gaza.
Bangladesh supports Palestine. It is against war crimes. Furthermore, it opposes normalizing ties with a state that it perceives as an aggressor. It’s unclear if this will affect global policies or alter how the battle plays out. However, for the time being, it has given Bangladeshis a reason to feel that their opinions and ideals are important on the international scene.
