Protesters Call for Boycott of Israeli Products and Companies
Amid growing public outrage over Israeli attacks on Gaza, thousands of protesters in Bangladesh have vowed to boycott all products and companies associated with Israel. Demonstrations have been held across the country, demanding stronger government action in solidarity with Palestinians.
Bangladesh Reintroduces Israel Travel Ban on Passports
In response to the nationwide protests, the Government of Bangladesh has reinstated a key statement on its passports:
“THIS PASSPORT IS VALID FOR ALL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD EXCEPT ISRAEL.”
This message indicates that Bangladeshi citizens are prohibited from traveling to Israel.
Official Announcement from Dhaka
On Sunday, government officials in Dhaka confirmed the decision. The move comes as a show of respect for public sentiment opposing the recent Israeli military operations in Gaza. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the revised directive aims to reaffirm Bangladesh’s ban on travel to Israel, consistent with its foreign policy.
A Return to Previous Passport Policy
This travel restriction line had previously appeared on older versions of Bangladeshi passports. However, in 2021, the administration led by then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina removed it to align with international passport standards. The current government, led by Prime Minister Yunus Khan, has now reversed that decision, restoring the travel ban statement.
Government Departments Issue Implementation Orders
According to Bangladesh’s state news agency BSS, the Department of Immigration and Passports under the Ministry of Home Affairs has already issued orders to include the statement in travel documents. Nilima Afroze, Deputy Secretary of the ministry’s Security Services Division, confirmed that the directive was officially released on April 7. However, the decision only became widely known after massive protests in Dhaka.
Mass Solidarity Rally Draws Influential Figures
The rally, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, saw participation from political leaders, celebrities, artists, poets, and popular social media influencers. Speakers called on global leaders to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others accountable for alleged war crimes and acts of genocide against Palestinian civilians.
Bangladesh Maintains Support for Independent Palestine
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people, has no diplomatic ties with Israel. The country officially recognizes and supports the sovereignty of an independent Palestinian state. Analysts believe that the recent protests and passport policy reversal are a strong reaffirmation of Bangladesh’s longstanding foreign policy stance.