Bangladesh Embassy in Paris eases e-passport backlog

The Bangladesh Embassy in Paris has introduced a special consular service to help Bangladeshi expatriates facing difficulties securing online appointments for e-passport applications.

The initiative, launched on Saturday, enabled more than 80 applicants to submit their e-passport applications on the first day without prior appointments, says a press release.

While welcoming the move, members of the Bangladeshi community in France called for further improvements to make consular services faster, more accessible and user-friendly.

The embassy recently replaced its email-based appointment system with a website-based online booking platform. Under the new system, a limited number of appointment slots are released at specific times. However, many applicants have complained that they have been unable to secure appointments despite repeated attempts because of technical problems and high demand.

One applicant said he had spent nearly an hour trying to book an appointment on Friday night, but the website repeatedly displayed error messages.

According to embassy officials, the special consular service was introduced in response to the growing number of e-passport applications and recent difficulties with the appointment system. As part of the first phase, the service will be provided on July 25, August 8 and August 22.

The initiative is primarily aimed at Bangladeshi expatriates who have appointments with French administrative authorities or prefectures for residence permit-related procedures and urgently require valid travel documents.

Bangladesh Embassy Second Secretary KFM Sharhad Shakil said the response on the first day of the programme had been overwhelmingly positive.

"More than 80 people received services on the opening day. In addition, all pending emails from applicants who previously sought e-passport appointments will be processed and replied to over the coming weeks," he said.

Addressing complaints about the online appointment platform, Shakil said temporary technical problems could occur when a large number of users accessed the website simultaneously.

"We are working closely with our IT team to make the system more efficient, reliable and user-friendly for expatriates," he added.

Responding to questions about staffing, the embassy official acknowledged that consular sections in many countries require additional manpower to meet the needs of their expatriate communities.

"Any increase in staffing depends on government policy. Meanwhile, we are making every effort to provide the best possible service with our existing resources and capacity," he said.

Local Bangladeshi volunteers also assisted the embassy during Saturday's special consular service by providing information, managing queues and offering procedural guidance, helping to ensure a smoother and more efficient process.

The embassy introduced the initiative following widespread criticism from the Bangladeshi community in France over difficulties with the new online e-passport appointment system.

However, expatriates said the temporary service should be complemented by long-term measures, including a more reliable online booking platform, an effective telephone helpline for urgent enquiries and expanded consular services to meet the needs of France's growing Bangladeshi community.