Bangladesh Reinstates “Except Israel” Clause in Passports in Response to Protests
Bangladesh has reinstated the phrase “Except Israel” in its passports, thereby forbidding travel to Israel. This decision aligns with growing public sentiment against Israel due to ongoing military actions in Gaza. Large demonstrations in Bangladesh have called for global intervention against perceived atrocities committed by Israel.
On April 14, Bangladesh announced the reinstatement of the phrase “Except Israel” in its passports, effectively prohibiting travel to Israel. Previously, this statement had been removed from new electronic passports in 2021, although the ban on traveling to Israel persisted. The directive came from the Home Ministry, instructing the passport and immigration department to revert to the prior wording, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
The decision is in response to widespread anger among Bangladeshis regarding Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, perceived as a long-standing genocide against the Palestinian population. On a recent Saturday, large-scale protests erupted in Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding intervention to stop Israel’s military actions, which they term “massacres” of innocent Palestinians. Thousands gathered at Suhrawardy Park in Dhaka, brandishing Palestinian flags and calling for immediate global action against what they view as aggressive policies of the Israeli government.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of the “Except Israel” phrase in Bangladeshi passports symbolizes the nation’s stance against Israel amidst rising tensions due to its military actions in Gaza. The growing protests reflect deep-rooted sentiments among the populace, demanding accountability and intervention regarding the treatment of Palestinians. The Home Ministry’s directive serves as a reaffirmation of Bangladesh’s long-standing position on this geopolitical issue.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
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