'Except Israel' clause reinstated in Bangladeshi passports

The clause "Except Israel" has been reinstated in Bangladeshi passports, according to an official notification issued on April 7. 

The notification was signed by Neelima Afroz, Deputy Secretary of the Immigration-4 Branch under the Security Services Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Deputy Secretary Neelima Afroz confirmed the development on Sunday (April 13).  

Several political parties including the National Revolutionary Council were demanding to reinstate the clause after the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

This decision comes amid widespread protests across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka, demanding an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. 

Public sentiment has been strongly aligned with the Palestinian cause, with demonstrators urging the government to take a firm stance against Israel.  

On Saturday, during the 'March for Gaza' programme, a demand was made from the stage to reinstate the "Except Israel" clause in Bangladeshi passports. Protesters also called for the cancellation of all agreements between the Bangladeshi government and Israel.