Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the removal of police verification for issuing passports in Bangladesh. He made these remarks during a visit to the Department of Passports in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Monday, January 6.
Current Status of Police Verification
Responding to questions about whether police verification would remain a requirement, the adviser stated, “I cannot say at this moment whether police verification will stay or be removed. But if we find that the National ID card alone can serve the purpose, we will remove police verification.”
The issue of police verification has long been a subject of public debate, with many passport applicants complaining about delays and harassment during the verification process. Removing this requirement would streamline the passport issuance process, making it faster and more efficient. However, concerns remain regarding national security and identity verification in the absence of police involvement.
Potential Alternatives
The adviser hinted at a possible shift toward a more digitalized and efficient system, relying on the integration of the National ID database. If implemented, this would mean that applicants could obtain their passports without the additional step of physical verification by law enforcement.
However, the adviser also noted that before making any changes, a thorough review of potential risks and benefits is necessary. The government aims to balance improved service delivery with national security concerns.
Foreign Nationals Without Valid Visas
In addition to the discussion on passport verification, the home adviser also addressed the issue of foreign nationals overstaying in Bangladesh. He announced that foreign nationals whose visas have expired must renew them or leave the country by January 31. Failure to comply will result in legal action.
This directive is particularly aimed at those who have overstayed beyond their permitted visa duration. The government intends to ensure better regulation of foreign visitors and reduce illegal stay cases through stricter enforcement of visa regulations.
Broader Passport Reform Goals
The visit by the home adviser to the Department of Passports is part of a broader initiative to reform and modernize the passport issuance process in Bangladesh. With the growing number of citizens applying for passports annually, the government is focused on improving efficiency, reducing bureaucratic delays, and adopting digital solutions.
The interim government, which has taken several reform initiatives since coming to power, has also set up a commission to review and propose changes in various administrative processes, including passport services. If the proposed changes are approved, Bangladesh could soon see a more streamlined, less bureaucratic process for obtaining passports, which would be in line with global best practices.
While no immediate decision has been taken to remove police verification, the government is considering options to simplify the process. If police verification is eliminated, it could significantly ease the burden on passport applicants. However, until a final decision is made, the existing procedure remains in place.
