Bangladesh Restores 'Valid for All Countries Except Israel' Clause on Passports Amid 100,000 Protests on April 7

Bangladesh's interim government has reinstated a clause on passports that effectively prohibits citizens from traveling to Israel. The phrase 'valid for all countries of the world except Israel' was reintroduced following extensive public demonstrations in Dhaka, where over 100,000 people rallied in support of Palestine amid ongoing violence in Gaza. The Home Ministry's directive, issued on April 7, emphasizes the country's longstanding policy of not recognizing Israel, which has been a point of contention in its foreign relations. The clause had been removed in 2021 during the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but the recent public outcry has prompted the government to revert to this previous stance, reaffirming its support for Palestinian rights.