E-passport
Bangladesh e-Passport Information Update: Step by Step Procedure, Related Costs
Over the years, Bangladesh has sequentially graduated from handwritten passports to MRP to e-Passports. Each of the iterations has brought about changes aimed to make the immigration process more convenient both at home and abroad. However, there is one caveat that is faced by many passport holders. That is changing or updating information on the Bangladesh passport. Whether it’s the marital status or a change of personal information, there is a strict process in place for the change. Here’s how it’s done.
Passport Information Update Process
In a broad sense, the information update process is the same as applying for a new Bangladesh passport or passport renewal. There is no way to update the information in an existing valid passport whether it is MRP or e-Passport. So essentially, a person will have to apply for a passport re-issuance.
Fortunately, the passport authority of Bangladesh has streamlined the process under one system. Whether it is an application for a new passport, passport renewal, error correction, or information update, it all starts from the E-Passport Portal.
Read more: These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023
We have covered the Bangladesh passport renewal process in detail. It should give a comprehensive idea about how to get started with the application. Much of the initial process is the same for renewal as well as information update applications.
Now the information correction procedure for both MRP and e-Passport requires a hybrid modality. That means, a person will have to apply online as well as visit the regional passport office for a scheduled appointment.
How to Locate a Local Passport Office
Assuming the application is for an information update, there should already be an application account made for a new passport or passport renewal. Head over to the e-Passport portal and use the login credentials to start the application process.
Fortunately for the applicants, there is no need to physically locate the regional passport office. The first step of the application will ask about location information. Based on the provided information, the e-Passport portal will select the regional passport office for the applicant.
Read more: Bangladeshi Passport Renewal Process for Expatriates Living Abroad
Table: Required documents to update different types of information in a Bangladesh passport
Number
Subject
Document Required
Additional Information
1
Change of name (partial)
NID, BRC, Educational certificates (all inclusive)
Minimum one original document required
2
Change of name (full)
All of the above and an affidavit from 1st class Magistrate (if illiterate or doesn’t have NID)
Minimum one original document required
3
Change of name of parents (full or partial)
Same as above
Minimum one original document required
4
Change of age
Same as above
Minimum one original document required
5
Change of address (permanent)
Police verification certificate
6
Change of passport type
Retirement or dismissed certificate for official to ordinary.
NOC and GO of concerned ministry for ordinary to official.
Letter of concerned ministry from ordinary to diplomatic (vice versa)
Minimum one original document required
7
Change of profession
For technical professions, relevant professional certificates.
For general profession, certificate from competent authority.
Minimum one original document required
8
Change of marital status
Marriage or divorce certificate
Minimum one original document required
Read more: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process
The applicant will need to attach these documents along with the above forms. In addition to these, general identification documents like NID and BRC should also be attached. In case of an application against a valid existing passport, the passport will need to be submitted as well. The passport fee payment slip will also have to be included.
The appointment will be scheduled based on available slots. The applicant might have to provide the biometric data depending on the nature of the information updated. And that will conclude the passport information update application process.
Final Words
The new passport information update application has been streamlined to be more efficient. Even a few years ago, the entire application process was analog where an applicant had to visit the regional passport office several times to get the information updated. But now with the hybrid model, it is easier than ever to update the passport information.
Read more: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
Bangladeshi Passport Renewal Process for Expatriates Living Abroad
Currently, the Bangladesh passport application and renewal processes are quite simple. Like the locals, the Bangladeshi expatriates are also benefitting from the centralized hybrid application system. In this article, we will take a look at how can Bangladeshi expatriates residing in a foreign country apply for passport renewal.
Passport Renewal: MRP to E-passport
Assuming that the expatriate is already residing in a foreign country, and s/he already has a passport. Handwritten passports were last issued in 2010, with MRP replacing them in the same year. As an expatriate, you are most likely to hold an MRP because each passport has a maximum validity of 10 years.
Now the question is, should the expatriate renew his or her MRP to MRP or e-passport? For local applications, the government has stopped issuing the MRP, with e-passports being available at every regional passport office in Bangladesh. As a result, there is no longer scope for MRP-to-MRP renewal.
For expatriates, if the Bangladesh mission abroad - where the expatriate is currently residing - supports e-passports, then s/he should go for the e-passport renewal option.
However, e-passport is still not available at every Bangladeshi mission abroad. In that case, if the embassy doesn’t support e-passports, then the expatriates can go for the MRP option.
Read More: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
Step-by-Step Process of Bangladesh Passport Renewal Application
The application process for renewing a Bangladesh passport is a hybrid one. The Bangladeshi expatriate needs to fill out an online application form and then make an appointment with the relevant Bangladeshi mission in the expatriate's country of residence. In case there is no Bangladeshi mission, the application will be handled by a partnering mission in Bangladesh.
A detailed outline of the online application can be found in our passport renewal process article. But since there are some key changes in information input, we will cover the steps again.
Step 1: Location Registration
The first thing to do is to visit the online passport application portal. Here the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to register an account. But before that, the expatriate needs to fill out some basic information regarding the passport.
On the prompt “Are you applying from Bangladesh?”, the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to select “No.” After that, the expatriate will have to select the country of his or her current residence. From there, the relevant Bangladeshi mission or a partnering mission will be selected automatically, which will process the passport renewal application.
Read More: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
Step 2: Account Registration
The second step is to register an account on the e-passport web portal using your e-mail. Here the expatriate has to input his/her name and e-mail address. Here the expatriate should make sure that the given name and surname match his or her existing passport/NID/BRC. The expatriate will also need to input his/ her contact details here.
After that, an activation e-mail will be sent to your registered mail. From there, the expatriate will be able to start the application process.
Step 3: Form Fill-Up
The next step is a long one. This is also the step where the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to be most careful as the expatriate will have to correctly input a lot of information. Here’s what the expatriate will need to fill up.
Personal Credentials
The first section is related to personal credentials. Here the expatriate will outline all his or her information step by step. The applicant must make sure that the information she or he provides is in line with the NID/BRC information.
The expatriate will also need to specify the country of birth if she or he was born outside of Bangladesh. You will also need to outline the means of your nationality (eg. By birth or by naturalization).
Read More: Bangladesh Passport Renewal Process: How to renew MRP, Handwritten Passport
Address Information
The next step is to input address details. There are two distinct parts here, permanent and present address.
If the applicant is a Bangladeshi by birth, then the expatriate will need to input a permanent residence address in Bangladesh. The present address should be the expatriate's current location from where she or he is applying for renewal.
Passport Information
In this step, the expatriate will need to provide details of his or her NID/BRC as well as the existing passport. You will also need to select why you are applying for a new passport. In this case, you will need to select either “expired” or “e-passport conversion”.
Parental and Spouse Information
In the next step, the expatriate will need to provide his or her parental information. This is a highly detailed section where you will need to fill out their personal details, address, and profession.
If the expatriate is married, then s/he will also need to input the same information for your spouse.
Read More: Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index
Emergency Contact
The Bangladeshi expatriate will need to set an emergency contact as well. It is better to select someone from the same country the expatriate resides in. The first step is to select the relationship the expatriate shares with that person. After that, the expatriate will have to fill out their details in the same way as parental information.
After all the information has been correctly input, the expatriate will need to submit the application and pay the application fee.
Passport Fee and pages
The new e-passport is available in either 48 or 64 pages. The Bangladeshi expatriate will also get two validity options at either 5 or 10 years. The fee structure for expatriates varies depending on the location of the expatriate.
Appointment at Mission
After completing the online application and fee payment, the Bangladeshi expatriate will need to download the application form and the application summary. Both these pdf documents can be found on your applicant’s dashboard.
After that, the expatriate will need to schedule an appointment with your designated mission for biometric verification. The expatriate should make sure to take the two printed documents with him or her for verification purposes.
Read More: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process
Final Words
Even a few years ago, the passport renewal process in Bangladesh was quite hectic and tedious. The process was completely analog with a spur of middlemen creating hindrances at every step. But with the introduction of the hybrid application system, the process has become easier for everyone. It has reduced complicacy, streamlined processes, and made every step more efficient.
The passport renewal process for Bangladeshi expatriates has also become seamless and easy. With proper application and delivery options, an applicant can get a renewed passport at the earliest. This was previously a very tedious and time-consuming aspect. This is certainly a step towards efficient bureaucracy.
Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process
Every year hundreds and thousands of Bangladeshis travel abroad for various purposes. The Government has made the e-passport application process online to make the process swift and efficient.
Though the e-passport's online application process is easy, many people make unintentional errors. What if, you discover wrong information in your e-passport application after pressing the submit button? Don't worry! We shall discuss the e-passport online application's information correction process before or after the submission.
However, even after putting all information correctly in the online application form, there might be accidental errors in your e-passport information. In some cases, you may require to change some information provided in your e-passport. Let’s find out the Bangladesh e-passport error correction process.
Read More: Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index
Bangladesh e-Passport's Information Correction Process
Previously the entire process of information correction on the passport was manual. In case of any mistake, an applicant was required to visit their designated regional passport office and request correction.
But after the introduction of the hybrid passport application system, the entire manual process has been abolished. To streamline the process, the information correction process has been brought under the same general application process for a new/renewal of a passport.
In case you haven’t, check out our comprehensive guide on MRP/handwritten renewal to e-passport. It will help you understand everything you need to get started with the online application part.
But just like the renewal application, the information correction process will also need a visit to the regional passport office. But unlike a multi-day affair before, it will only take a scheduled appointment in Dhaka or a working day outside of Dhaka.
The documents required were the same as before. You will find the details of the document in our passport renewal article. But recently, the government has made some changes to the regulation and added two more forms in the process.
Read More: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
Online Application Process for e-Passport Information Correction
If you have received your passport and noticed the wrong information, you must opt for an online application, as mentioned above. There are some other scenarios that we will discuss later.
Check out our comprehensive guide, where we outline the entire application process. You will need to repeat all the steps except the part that says “Reason for Application.” Here you will need to choose information correction and continue the process.
After that, you must confirm the payment and download the application form and summary.
Now usually, you’d have to schedule an appointment for biometric confirmation. In the case of information correction, you will need the following documents as well.
Read More: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
Required Documents for Information Correction Application
You will need the following documents in addition to the two new forms initiated by the passport authority. The documents include.
-NID/BRC -Application form/Summary -Payment slip -Previous passport copy -Educational certificates-GO/NOC for a government official-For marriage status change – Copy of marriage certificate -For a complete name change – An affidavit -For address change – a copy of the utility bill
Note that you will not need all of these mentioned above. Just take the ones that are related to the correct information.
Read More: Smart NID Card in Bangladesh: Online Application Process, Documents Needed, Fees
e-Passport Information Correction: What’s Changed?
Recently the government has made a couple of changes to the information correction process of the passport. In addition to the online application, users will need to download two forms and fill them up by hand.
They are Application Form for Information Change on Passport and a Commitment Form (অঙ্গীকারনামা). According to the new regulation, in addition to the online application, you will also need to submit these two forms by downloading and filling them up. So what are these exactly?
Form For Information Change
Now you might be thinking why do you need to fill out another information change form if you are already applying online? This step has been added to double-check the information with the new application information.
In this form, you will need to input the wrong information in your passport and the changeable/correct information side by side. This allows for easy cross-referencing of the information.
Commitment Form
The commitment form is similar to an oath where you certify that you in your sane mind and knowledge, are requesting a change of information that is in line with your correct personal information.
The commitment form was introduced to defer fraudulent claims on information change and identity theft.
Read More: Bangladesh Smart National ID Card Correction Process: Payments and Necessary Documents
Do I have to pay the entire passport fee again?
The passport correction process essentially requires a new passport to be issued for you. It’s not like the existing passport will be taken and corrected. As a result, you will need to pay the full amount for your passport information correction as it will essentially be a reissue.
However, there might be scenarios where you have submitted an application for a new passport and paid the fee. What if you notice a correction right after submission? Let’s find out.
e-Passport Online Application Form's Error Correction Process
To apply for a Bangladesh e-passport online navigate to this site. Here you will get the e-passport online application form. Fill up the form carefully with the correct information.
How to Correct Errors of e-Passport Online Application Form Before Submission
The application is divided into several steps and each step is individually saved. So if you notice any information correction before the final submission, you can simply press on the edit option and make the correction where necessary. You will be able to make corrections as many times as you want before the final submission.
Read More: SSC, HSC Certificate Information Change or Correction Process in Bangladesh
How to Correct Information of e-Passport Application After Submission of the Form
If you notice any information correction after the submission of the application, things will become a bit tricky. First, you will need to download the application form or summary. After that, you will need to go to the regional passport office with the summary and additional official documents that verify the correct information.
The enrolment officer at the passport office will consider your case and cross-check with the official documents. They will be able to correct the information on the server without any extra charge.
How to Delete the Information Correction Application before and After Submission You will not have to delete any application that hasn’t been submitted for processing. In the case of unsubmitted applications, it gets automatically deleted after 200 days.
But if you have submitted and paid the fee, then you will need to contact the PRO section of the regional passport office to fix the problem.
Read More: Joint working group to resolve passport renewal issues of Bangladeshis living in Saudi.
Final Words
The process of information correction on Bangladesh's e-passport has become much easier thanks to the introduction of the hybrid application system. The error correction process of the e-passport online application forms even after submission is also easy.
Now all you have to do is fill out the designated online form and visit the regional passport office with the required documents. Depending on which delivery method you choose, your e-passport can be in your hand within a few days with the corrected changes.
Bangladesh Passport Renewal Process: How to renew MRP Passport
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshis embark on foreign trips for various purposes. From education and health to recreational needs, the number of Bangladeshis opting for foreign travel is increasing exponentially. With a limited validity on a passport, it becomes necessary to get the passport renewed at some point. Considering the bureaucratic hassle involved, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to renew a Bangladeshi MRP passport.
There are mainly three types of passports in Bangladesh: handwritten, machine-readable, and e-passport. The last handwritten passport was issued in 2010 and considering each passport has a maximum validity of 10 years, all handwritten passports are obsolete at this point.
Currently, passports are available either as MRP or e-passports. E-passports have been made available on a rollout basis starting in 2020. As of 2022, all the regional passport offices of Bangladesh are now offering the e-passport service. As a result, anyone holding an MRP passport can easily apply for reissuing their passport as an e-passport in the following way.
Read More: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
How to Apply Online for Reissuing MRP as E-passports
The process of applying for e-passports is a hybrid one. You need to apply for the passport online and visit the regional passport office (in accordance with your present address) for biometric verification. Follow the steps below.
Registering on the Official Passport Site
The first step is to open an account on the official e-passport website. Here you will have to select whether you are currently in Bangladesh or not.
E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
Bangladesh has been providing e-passport or electronic passport to every citizen of all ages since January 22, 2020. Overall, the Bangladesh Passport Department issues e-passports through a uniform application process. However, there are some differences in the rules of application based on age and occupation. There is a slight variation in the required application documents for children from newborn to 6 years and from then on up to 18 years. Today's article describes the application process of Bangladesh e-passport for children.
Documents required to apply for an e-passport for children
Photocopy of online registered birth certificate
To get an e-passport, the child’s online birth registration needs to be completed first. Whether the birth certificate is registered online can be verified through the National Birth and Death Registration website of Bangladesh. If the BRC (birth registration certificate) is displayed by the system after entering the BRC number and date of birth, then the applicant (child) is eligible for the e-passport application.
Photocopies of the national identity cards of parents
According to the Bangladesh Passport Policy, the NID (National Identity) Card of each parent is required along with the BRC in order to issue a passport to the citizens aged 6 to 20 years. The spelling of the parents’ names in English on their NID cards and the child's BRC must be the same. Even if there is a slight mistake, it has to be corrected in advance.
Read How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
3-R size photo of the child
In the case of children below 6 years of age, complications arise when taking pictures at the passport office. Therefore, a copy of the 3-R size photo with gray background printed in the lab should be taken to the passport office along with the application form. But if the child is more than 6 years old, no picture is needed.
Invoice for payment of passport fee
The e-passport fee payment invoice can be downloaded directly from the e-challan website of the Government of Bangladesh. Entering the required information, this form can be deposited in any nearest government or private bank. After receiving the invoice, the bank will issue a deposit receipt along with a customer copy of the invoice.
Copy of full fill-up online application form and schedule for e-passport
These two documents can be obtained from Bangladesh e-passport online portal, once the e-passport application is completed.
Read Visa Free Country List for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2021
How to apply for Bangladesh e-passport for children online
- First, it is required to sign up in Bangladesh e-passport online portal with the NID number, email id, and password. In the ‘personal information’ section, the provided information must match the applicant’s (child's) BRC document.
- Most importantly, it is appropriate to choose ‘Others’ in the section of profession.
- For any child under the age of 18, only a 5-year valid 46-page passport needs to be selected.
- After submitting the application finally, a one-page online e-passport schedule copy will be available from the print summary at the very end.
- By clicking on the download application form, the applicant can get a three-page e-passport online application along with an interview schedule.
Read Travel Malaysia: Best places to visit, craziest things to do
Interview and Biometrics for Bangladesh e-passport of Children
During the interview day, the applicant (child) must carry the printed 3-page application form along with the interview schedule. Check out the list of other required documents mentioned in the passport form and e-passport website. Usually, the required document includes photocopies of the BRC and NID cards. It would be wise to keep the original copies of BRC and NID cards along with photocopies. The applicant’s (child’s) 3-R size picture should be kept separate.
All the documents need to be submitted to the passport office under the police station for submission. In the case of a child below 6 years of age, an e-passport delivery slip will be given just after submitting the application form along with relevant documents. Because biometrics are not taken for those under 6 years of age. The 3-R size photo is used in the e-passport.
But in the case of children above 6 years of age, the schedule of an interview is given for biometrics. Then a passport delivery slip is given after taking biometrics.
Read Travel Malaysia: Best places to visit, craziest things to do
Bangladesh E-passport application fee for children
In Bangladesh, the e-passport application fee is the same for both minors and adults. Within the country, the e-passport fee includes 15 percent VAT. The regular/General Delivery Fee for an ePassport of 48 pages with 5 years of validity is BDT. 4,025. BDT. The fee is 6,325 for express service; while the super express costs about BDT. 8,625.
How long does it take to get an e-passport for children?
For the regular/General e-passport service, it takes 15 or 21 working days from the date of receipt of the delivery slip. This time is reduced to 7 or 10 working days for express delivery. And
It takes only 2 working days to get the passport in Super Express delivery. However, this super express facility is available only from Agargaon Passport Office, Dhaka.
Read Romantic Beach Honeymoon Destinations in Asia
The children of government employees can get the express service at the Regular/General fee by showing their parents’ NOC (No Objection Letter) or PRL (Retirement Leave) Certificate.
Bottom line
Nowadays, by virtue of digitalisation, the application process for an e-passport for children in Bangladesh has become simple and hassle-free. The whole application process does not even require attestation of documents. Since children are getting the scope to get e-Passports before receiving academic certificates, they will hardly face any problem related to their e-passport renewal process or NID card registration in future. By providing the same information in all cases including NID Card, SSC, HSC, and TIN Certificate, there will be no hassle in national-level activities.
Read Online Hajj Registration from Bangladesh: Procedure and Costs
How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
An e-passport or electronic passport is a passport featuring an electronic microprocessor chip and antenna that integrates the person's biometric identity, such as picture, fingerprint, and eye-Irish. E-passport holders do not have to stand in line for visa checking for immigration. Rather they can pass immigration very quickly using electronic gates. Now e-passport is available without any hassle by applying online from anywhere in the country. Let's get to know how to get an E-Passport in Bangladesh.
How to apply online for an e-passport
The application can be started by entering the website ‘www.epassport.gov.bd’ and clicking on the first tab on the left titled ‘Apply Online’.
In the beginning, the name of the local passport office will be shown as soon as the name of the police station near the district and present address is given. This is the place where both the e-passport application form has to be submitted and the e-passport can be obtained.
READ: e-Passport to brighten Bangladesh image: PM Hasina
During the application process, the applicant needs to provide some necessary information including name, birth date, present and permanent address, profession, nation ID number, data of previous passport (if applicable), parents name and occupation, contact number, emergency contact, etc. And, the system will also require bank details where the application fee has been submitted.
What is more, at the end of the registration process, the system will ask the applicants to choose a suitable date and time for appointment for giving respective biometrics from the designated days available in the Passport Office.
When the registration is done, the applicant needs to take a print out of his or her e-passport registration application form including the biometric date schedule.
READ: Bangladesh enters e-Passport era
How much does it cost to get an e-passport
There are three types of e-passport delivery systems. The applicants are expected to receive their e-passports after the stipulated working days since the date of submission of application.
1. Regular: 21 working days
2. Express: 10 working days
3. Super Express: 2 working days
E-passport of 48-page 5-year delivery fee
Regular: BDT 4,025
Express: BDT 6,325
Super Express: BDT 8,625
Read E-passport services launched for Bangladeshi diaspora in USA
E-passport of 48-page 10-year delivery fee
Regular: BDT 5,750
Express: BDT 8,050
Super Express: BDT 10,350
E-passport of 64-page 5-year delivery fee
Regular: BDT 6,325
Express: BDT 8,625
Super Express: BDT 12,075
Read ACC sued Passport official and his wife for corruption
E-passport of 64-page 10-year delivery fee
Regular: BDT 8,050
Express: BDT 10,350
Super Express: BDT 13,800
Currently, the Bangladesh passport offices are not receiving online payments. So the applicants can submit the payment through any of the following banks - Sonali Bank, Trust Bank, One Bank, Dhaka Bank, Premier Bank, and Bank Asia.
The applicant's full name on the e-passport bank deposit form must match with the applicant’s full name provided in his or her e-passport registration form. At this time a photocopy of the NID card and a summary of the application form will be required. The summary can be downloaded from the website after submitting the online application.
Read Removal of "except Israel" from passports exposed govt’s amoral position: BNP
After depositing the e-passport issuing or re-issuing fee in person, the applicant needs to collect the bank deposit receipt.
What documents are needed to get an e-passport
The fully filled-in application form has to be downloaded and printed. Then one copy passport size photo, photocopy of NID card, and bank deposit receipt have to be attached.
Applicants below the age of 18 must provide a photocopy of the parent's NID card along with the birth certificate of the applicant.
Usually, these are the key documents that the applicants need to submit to the passport office on the day scheduled for biometrics. The documents required for e-passport application can be submitted to the passport office without attestation.
Read 13,931 Bangladeshis legally hold dual citizenships, passports
In some cases, the applicants might need some additional documents like proof of address, birth certificate, copy of police report (if passport is lost), NOC certificate, Office ID card (for job holders), Last exam's certificate (for students), etc.
However, during the biometric screening day, the applicant must take his or her original NID card, original previous passport (if applicable) for verification.
Finally
It should be noted here that once the application is finally submitted, it can no longer be changed. Only one application can be submitted with a national identity (NID) card. At the time of application, all information must be given according to the national identity card, and/or previous passport (if applicable). All in all, the information and documents provided for e-passport application must be authentic. Otherwise, the e-passport will not be obtained.
Read E-passport service at Toronto mission soon: Shahriar
E-passport services launched for Bangladeshi diaspora in USA
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C has introduced the electronic passport (e-passport) services for catering to the needs of Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Secretary to the Security Services Division of the Home Ministry Md. Mokabbir Hossain jointly inaugurated the services at the Embassy in Washington.
The electronic passport (e-passport) system was officially launched by receiving two application forms from two applicants, said the Embassy on Saturday.
READ: e-Passport to brighten Bangladesh image: PM Hasina
The e-passport system was earlier inaugurated in the New York Consulate on September 10 and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington is the fourth in line after introducing it in Berlin and Athens.
Mokabbir Hossain said e-passport being the latest technology leaves no chance of fraudulence and it will be appreciated by all countries.
He mentioned that many developed countries have not yet been able to implement this e-passport system and Bangladesh is the first in South Asia to do so.
The Secretary also mentioned that synchronizing with the e-passport system, the government has already established e-Gates at the international airports of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet which will ease the immigration procedures of passengers.
Ambassador Shahidul underscored the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successful implementation of e-passport service as another landmark event of her attaining-“Digital Bangladesh”.
He hoped that the introduction of e-passports, in the year of 50th anniversary of independence and birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, would reduce the sufferings of Bangladeshi diaspora living all over the world.
The Ambassador said as pledged by the Government, the progression of this service from hand-written to electronic took a short span of time.
He emphasized the effective coordination between the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) and the missions abroad for rendering optimum services to the Bangladesh diaspora.
The Ambassador thanked the Security Services Division and Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) for considering the commencement of e-passport services at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C as well as two Consulate General offices in New York and Los Angeles at the initial phase of introducing the new system.
READ: Bangladesh enters e-Passport era
Project Director of e-Passport project, Brigadier General Mr. Saidur Rahman Khan noted that after the inauguration of the e-passport system by the Prime Minister on 22 January 2021, Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) has already distributed 10 lakh e-passports in the country.
He also mentioned that all the passport offices of the country were brought under the e-passport system at the end of June 2021 and now the system is being extended to Bangladesh missions abroad.
Passport offices resume operation in limited scale
Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) has started enrolment of e-passport and MRP (new and re-issue) on limited scale, after five months off due to Covid-19 pandemic.
e-Passport to brighten Bangladesh image: PM Hasina
The introduction of e-Passport will brighten the image of Bangladesh further in the digital world, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday.
Bangladesh enters e-Passport era
Bangladesh entered e-Passport era as the first country in South Asia with the formal opening of the electronic passport services on Wednesday morning.