Bangladesh Reinstates ‘Except Israel’ on Passports Amid Widespread Support for Palestine

Bangladesh has reinstated the “except Israel” phrase on its passports, effectively barring its citizens from traveling to Israel.

This decision follows significant public pressure and protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The phrase, which had been removed in 2021 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was reinstated by the transitional government in response to widespread demonstrations.

The phrase was initially removed to align Bangladeshi passports with international standards. Despite this change, Bangladesh maintained its stance of not recognizing Israel and continued to ban travel to the country.

The recent escalation of violence in Gaza led to massive protests in Bangladesh, with around 100,000 people gathering in Dhaka to show solidarity with Palestinians. These protests called for stronger support for the Palestinian cause and the reinstatement of the “except Israel” clause.

On April 7, 2025, the Home Ministry issued a directive to restore the “except Israel” inscription on passports. This move was implemented in response to public demand and to reflect Bangladesh’s continued non-recognition of Israel.

Bangladesh has historically supported Palestinian statehood and opposed Israeli occupation. The reinstatement of the phrase underscores this stance and aligns with the country’s diplomatic policies.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has heightened tensions and anti-Israel sentiments in Bangladesh. The recent breakdown of the ceasefire has resulted in significant casualties, further galvanizing public opinion against Israel.

The large-scale protests in Dhaka demonstrate Bangladesh’s strong support for an independent Palestinian state. This support is reflected in both public opinion and government policy, including the reinstatement of the “except Israel” clause on passports.