Bangladesh is reinstating the “Except Israel” clause in its regular passports, a decision already implemented for diplomatic ones. The move effectively bars Bangladeshi citizens from traveling to Israel — a practice that had been in place since independence but was silently erased during the previous Awami League government.
Sources from the Department of Immigration and Passports and the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that changes will also be made to around a dozen watermark images on the inner pages of the passport. The policy shift is not small. It is symbolic, political, and deeply consequential.
The Clause That Disappeared — and Returned
Bangladesh does not have, nor has it ever had, diplomatic relations with Israel. Since independence in 1971, Bangladeshi passports have historically carried the statement: “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.” The clause was a reflection of the country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
Then, in late 2020, the Awami League government removed the clause without any formal announcement. No press release. No parliamentary debate. It simply vanished from new passports. The decision was widely seen as a quiet shift in foreign policy, potentially opening the door to warmer relations with Israel.
Now, that door is slamming shut.
The Department of Immigration and Passports has submitted a proposal to the home ministry to reintroduce the “Except Israel” clause. According to sources, the ministry has agreed and will send it to the head of government for final approval.
Contacted, the department’s Director General, Maj Gen Nurul Anwar, said the proposal was not initiated by his department. “This is a decision taken from the highest level. It has already been implemented for diplomatic passports,” he said.
That is significant. Diplomatic passports — used by government officials — already carry the restriction. Now, ordinary citizens will as well.
The Interim Government’s Role
Home ministry sources said the decision was originally planned during the interim government, and an order was issued on April 7 last year. However, it was not implemented widely except for diplomatic passports, leading to the current move for full enforcement.
The timing is notable. Bangladesh has been navigating a complex foreign policy landscape, balancing ties with the West, China, and the Muslim world. Reinstating the “Except Israel” clause will be welcomed by domestic Islamist constituencies and countries that prioritize the Palestinian cause. It will be less welcomed in Washington and Tel Aviv.
A New Passport, A New Identity
Beyond the Israel clause, Bangladesh is also redesigning the passport’s visual identity. New watermark images will include Abu Sayed with outstretched arms — symbolizing the July uprising — along with Bangabhaban, Jamdani saree, jackfruit, hilsa, mango orchards, Tanguar Haor, Nilgiri, and Panam City. The existing image of Cox’s Bazar beach will be replaced.
At the same time, several images will be removed, including the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara, the Independence Monument at Suhrawardy Udyan, model mosques, Kantajew Temple, Jamuna Bridge, Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and the Mujibnagar Memorial.
The removals are as telling as the additions. Images associated with the previous Awami League government — including monuments to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and major infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge and Metro Rail — are being stripped from the passport. In their place are symbols of the July uprising and natural, non-political landmarks.
The passport is not just a travel document. It is a statement of national identity. And Bangladesh is rewriting that statement.
The Bottom Line
Bangladesh is reinstating the “Except Israel” clause in regular passports, reversing a quiet 2020 change made by the previous Awami League government. The decision has already been implemented for diplomatic passports and is now being extended to all citizens. The move requires final approval from the head of government but has already been agreed upon by the home ministry.
At the same time, Bangladesh is redesigning passport watermarks, removing images associated with the Awami League government — including monuments to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and major infrastructure projects — and replacing them with symbols of the July uprising and natural landmarks.
The passport clause is a foreign policy statement. The watermark changes are a domestic political statement. Together, they signal a Bangladesh that is redefining itself — on its own terms.
