E-passport implementation to be completed by year-end: Home adviser

Electronic passports (e-passports) will be fully implemented across Bangladesh by 31 December this year, replacing the existing Machine Readable Passports (MRPs), Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today.

"The work of the e-passport system will be fully implemented within this year. After that, there will be no MRPs. Efforts are being made to complete the process during my tenure," he said during a press briefing following a meeting with officials of the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) at its headquarters in the capital.

Referring to reforms within the DIP, the adviser said corruption levels in the department have significantly reduced under the current director-general but stressed that it must be brought down to zero.

About foreign nationals illegally residing in Bangladesh, he announced a deadline of 31 January for them to regularise their status by obtaining proper documentation. 

"Legal action will be taken against those failing to comply. The government has issued public notices in national dailies regarding this matter."

The adviser acknowledged long-standing issues with the passport application process and indicated ongoing discussions about potential reforms, including the contentious requirement of police verification. 

"A decision will be made after consultations with all stakeholders," he said.

Jahangir Alam also reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that Rohingyas are not able to obtain Bangladeshi passports, stating, "We will ensure they do not have any opportunity to misuse our passport system."

During his visit to the DIP, the adviser toured its key sections, including the MRP printing section, data centre, and personalisation centre, providing directives to expedite the transition to e-passports.

DIP Director-General Maj Gen Mohammad Nurul Anwar and other senior officials were present during the visit.

Challenges in passport services

Despite the promise of e-passports, significant challenges persist in Bangladesh's passport services:

Complex Application Process: Applicants face multiple steps and must be present in person for submission and collection, which can be time-consuming.

Police Verification: The requirement for police verification often causes delays and harassment.

Lack of Communication: Many citizens struggle with a lack of clear information about services and requirements.

Extended Delivery Times: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated delays in passport delivery.

Passport Validity: Current MRPs are valid for only five years and cannot be renewed, requiring frequent reapplications.

Supporting Documents: Changing personal information on passports requires extensive documentation.

Global ranking

The Bangladeshi passport remains one of the weakest globally, ranking ninth from the bottom, allowing visa-free access to only 40 destinations out of 227.

The introduction of e-passports aims to streamline the application process, enhance security and improve international standing. But addressing systemic inefficiencies and citizen grievances will be crucial for its success.

With the deadline for implementation set, stakeholders are optimistic that 2025 will mark a new chapter in Bangladesh's passport system.