Bangladesh reintroduces 'except Israel' phrase on passports
Bangladesh has restored an "except Israel" inscription on passports, local media reported Sunday, effectively barring its citizens from travelling to that country.
The phrase "valid for all countries except Israel," which was printed on Bangladeshi passports for decades, was removed during the later years of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
Nilima Afroze, a deputy secretary at the home ministry, told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency on Sunday that authorities had "issued a directive last week" to restore the inscription.
The country's support for an independent Palestinian state was visible on Saturday when around 100,000 people gathered in Dhaka in solidarity with Gaza.
People participate in a demonstration titled "March for Gaza" during a rally in Dhaka on 12 April, 2025, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. (AFP)
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