‘Except Israel’ set to return on Bangladesh passports

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said newly issued Bangladeshi passports will once again carry the phrase “Except Israel”, saying the move reflects both government policy and public sentiment.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the Secretariat media centre.

The minister also said the government is planning to redesign passports and visa pages to better showcase Bangladesh’s culture, heritage and tourist attractions.

He said the new design could feature images of iconic sites such as the National Martyrs' Memorial, Tanguar Haor and Cox's Bazar Sea Beach.

According to the minister, the government wants passports to reflect the country and its people rather than revolve around individuals or political imagery.

“We want to move away from politicising everything,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed also said discussions are under way about adding images of the Bir Shreshthas to Bangladeshi currency notes in the future. He added that the matter is being considered by the Ministry of Finance.

Responding to a question about former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said the government has repeatedly requested India through diplomatic channels to extradite her.

He said Bangladesh hopes India will return her under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries so that legal proceedings can move forward.

The minister also said the government is preparing a new law to tackle online gambling and internet-based betting.

He noted that the existing gambling law, introduced in 1867, is outdated and no longer fit for purpose in addressing modern online gambling activities.

According to him, the government plans to place the proposed law before parliament in its next session.