The Bangladesh government has officially removed police verification from the e-passport application process. In a February 18, 2025 circular, the Security Services Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that e-passports will now be issued based solely on the information available in the National Identity Card (NID). For minors and expatriate Bangladeshis, the birth registration certificate (BRC) registered online will serve as the primary verification document. This update aims to streamline passport issuance and reduce processing time. Let’s take a look at the overall application procedure for obtaining an e-passport without police clearance. Essential Documents for E-Passport Application . Primary Documents Based on Age Category Applicants below 18 years: BRC in English, registered online.Applicants aged 18 to 20 years: Either a NID card or an online-registered BRC in English.Applicants above 20 years: A NID card is mandatory. However, those residing abroad can submit an online-registered BRC issued by Bangladesh Missions.For minors: Both parents' NID cards must be provided.Proof of residence: A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, or water) of the applicant’s residential address.For adoptees or legal guardianship cases: An official order from the Department of Protective Services, Ministry of Home Affairs.For marital status verification: Marriage certificate or Nikahnama for married applicants; in case of divorce, a Talaqnama must be submitted if applicable. Additional Documents for Various Professionals Technical or skilled professionals (e.g., drivers, engineers, doctors): A relevant vocational or professional certification.Students: A certificate from the head of the educational institution, the latest educational qualification certificate, or a valid student ID card.Private sector employees: An official employment certificate issued by the respective institution.Government employees: Any one of the following official documents, as published on the issuing authority’s website:- Government Order (GO)- No Objection Certificate (NOC)- Employment Certificate- Post-Retirement Leave (PRL) Order- Pension BookFarmers and agricultural workers: A copy of their land title deed as proof of agricultural engagement.Business owners: A copy of a valid Trade License for their business establishment. Mandatory Attachments at the Time of Application Submission Along with the primary and profession-specific documents, applicants must also submit: - A printed summary of the application form, including the scheduled time for biometric registration.- A printed copy of the fully completed online application form.- Receipt of passport fee payment as proof of submission.- For children below six years, a recent passport-sized photograph taken in a lab with a gray background is required.- For applicants above six years, no separate photograph is required. Most importantly, there is no requirement to have any of the above documents attested for submission. Read more: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an E-Passport . Filling Out the Online Application Form To initiate the e-passport application process, access the official website at www.epassport.gov.bd using an internet browser. Select the ‘Apply Online’ tab, where the first step involves determining the designated e-passport issuing office. This is done by choosing the relevant district and police station from the drop-down menu, after which the affiliated passport office will be automatically assigned. For applicants seeking to identify the nearest e-passport office separately, the necessary information can be found at this link: https://dip.gov.bd/site/page/4d4ea063-50df-46ee-a326-492d8ef2dbb0/-. Following the selection of the passport office, an account must be created on the e-passport online registration portal. This requires entering an email address, NID card or BRC, and a mobile number, followed by setting a unique password. Once the account has been successfully created, future logins can be performed using either the email or mobile number and the designated password. All information provided in the form must match exactly with the details on the applicant’s NID card. Once the required mandatory fields are completed, the system will prompt for passport fee payment. If the payment is made online, the receipt number will be automatically linked to the application. The next step involves scheduling an appointment for biometric registration. A date can be selected from the available slots displayed on the screen. At the final stage, after submission, a summary of the completed application, including the scheduled biometric appointment, will be displayed. A printed copy of both the summary and the submitted online registration form must be attached to other required documents before proceeding with the next steps. Read more: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents E-Passport Fee Payment Options The Department of Passports and Immigration has approved multiple payment methods for e-passport processing fees. The available options include: Debit and Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American ExpressMobile Financial Services (MFS): bKash, Nagad, Rocket, UPay, DMoney, OK Wallet, and MBL RainbowAuthorized Banks:Bank Asia, BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, City Bank, United Commercial Bank, Arab-Bangladesh Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, and Midland Bank. E-Passport Fee Structure and Processing Time The fee for an e-passport varies depending on the number of pages, validity period, and delivery speed. Applications are categorized into Regular, Express, and Super Express services: Super Express Service: The fastest option, delivering the passport within 2 working days from the date of biometric registration.Express Service: Processing takes a minimum of 7 working days which extends to a maximum of 10 days from the date of biometric registration.Regular Service: The most extended timeframe, with a processing period of at least 15 working days or 21 days from the date of biometric registration. Read more: No police verification required for passports: CA E-Passport with 48 Pages (5-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 4,025Express Service: BDT 6,325Super Express Service: BDT 8,625 E-Passport with 64 Pages (5-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 6,325Express Service: BDT 8,625Super Express Service: BDT 12,075 E-Passport with 48 Pages (10-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 5,750Express Service: BDT 8,050Super Express Service: BDT 10,350 E-Passport with 64 Pages (10-Year Validity) Regular Service: BDT 8,050Express Service: BDT 10,350Super Express Service: BDT 13,800 Document Submission and Biometric Registration Applicants must visit the designated e-passport service center on the scheduled date, bringing all required documents. During this visit, the biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, will be collected. To ensure smooth processing, candidates must wear colored clothing when having their photograph taken at the passport center. Upon completing the biometric process, a delivery slip will be issued, specifying the estimated date of passport collection. This slip serves as proof of biometric registration and must be kept safely for submission on the day of passport collection. Read more: Government issues guidelines over revoking diplomatic “red” passports Checking E-Passport Application Status From the day of biometric registration until the estimated passport collection date, applicants can track their application status online. For this, visit: https://www.epassport.gov.bd/authorization/application-status- A 13-digit application ID will be provided on the distribution slip. Applicants must use this Application ID or the OID (Online Registration ID) found in the application form to check the current progress of their e-passport. Collection of E-Passport Without Police Verification Previously, police verification was required after biometric registration. However, under the new regulations, this step has been eliminated. Once the e-passport is ready for collection, a notification will be sent to the mobile number and email address provided in the application form. To collect the passport, applicants must visit the designated passport issuing office on the specified date, bringing along the original delivery slip and NID card. Verdict Online application process for Bangladesh e-passport is easy and user-friendly. From February 18, 2025, the removal of the requirement for police verification has streamlined the e-passport application process, offering a more efficient and accessible approach for all. Applicants now only need to provide their NID card or BRC, removing the traditional requirement for police clearance. The process includes completing an online application, submitting necessary documents, and attending bio-enrollment at the designated passport office. Applicants can track their application status and collect their passports upon notification, making the overall experience faster. Read more: Visa-free Travel for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2025: Top Destinations to Explore

The Bangladesh government has dismissed a claim circulated on X (formerly Twitter) alleging a ban on Hindus in public service, calling it “completely false.” The claim, posted on the X account of Times Algebra, was refuted by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing in a statement on its verified Facebook account, CA Press Wing Facts, on Thursday. Read: 1,896 candidates appointed in revised 43rd BCS list; 168 excluded “The Bangladesh government does not discriminate against any citizen based on religion,” the Press Wing clarified, adding that the quote attributed to the Home Affairs Adviser in the post was also fabricated.

The government has issued new directives aimed at curbing foreign travel by public officials, discouraging such trips except for those deemed absolutely necessary for national interests. Officials are also prohibited from traveling abroad simultaneously in groups unless it is unavoidable. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the issuance of these updated guidelines today. This follows a circular released by the Chief Adviser's Office on December 9. Similar restrictions were placed in the previous fiscal year due to an ongoing dollar shortage, limiting non-essential foreign travel. Key directives on foreign travel: Public officials are to avoid foreign travel unless absolutely necessary. Ministries are required to prepare a forecast of potential foreign trips for the year. A centralized database for tracking foreign travel must be developed. The Chief Adviser’s Office will oversee its framework and manage the data. Government renames 14 hospitals and medical colleges Officials across all levels are instructed to refrain from traveling abroad in groups. Ministers and secretaries are discouraged from traveling abroad together. Exceptions require clear justification based on national interests. Secretaries and department heads may only travel together if it serves a critical national purpose. Proposals for attending seminars or workshops must include details about the rank of invited officials and counterparts from other participating countries. Travel proposals must outline the necessity of the trip and its relevance to the official’s responsibilities. South Korea weighs travel ban on President Yoon Only relevant experts should be sent abroad for activities like pre-shipment inspections or factory acceptance tests. Low-priority foreign trips funded by government resources must be avoided. Recreational travel abroad is strictly prohibited for all government officials. Officials are discouraged from taking extended study leaves abroad. Travel proposals must include a record of the official’s foreign trips in the past year. The government has reiterated that any exceptions to these rules will require substantial evidence of necessity, ensuring that only essential trips aligned with national priorities are approved. These measures come as part of broader efforts to manage foreign currency reserves and optimize public expenditure.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Col (retd) Jahangir Alam has issued a warning that foreigners living illegally in Bangladesh will not be allowed to remain. He made the statement while speaking to reporters after a meeting on law and order in preparation for the 31st night (Dec 31) at the Secretariat on Sunday. Read: 11,000 illegal foreigners to be deported: Minister The home adviser said that a circular will be issued in this regarding. Asked about the number of illegal foreigners currently in the country, he said that he did not have any information on the exact figure.

The government of India has called upon the government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time. "We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira," said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. These are deplorable events, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a satement on attack on Puja Mandap, desecration and damage to Hindu temples in Bangladesh. Crown gifted by Modi stolen from Satkhira temple: Indian High Commission  calls for prompt investigation "They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now," MEA said. Earlier on October 5, India expressed concerns over vandalism of idols and security of Hindu community in Bangladesh and said the incidents of this kind "are not right and they are not good." Responding to a question at a weekly briefing, Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they hope this festival brings prosperity and happiness in everyone's life. Steps taken to ensure safe return of Bangladeshis from war-hit Lebanon: MoFA When it comes to minorities, he said, they have said multiple times, even at high levels from their side that the minorities in Bangladesh should be protected. "And we expect that the government there (in Bangladesh) will provide security to the people of the minority community and fulfill their needs," said the Spokesperson.

Bangladesh has expressed extreme disappointment over US State Department’s unsubstantiated claim of deaths of at least two persons, and said such “baseless claim” can fuel the violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts. “Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seheli Sabrin said today. Student violence: Is US State Department being misled by rumours over claim of two deaths? She said the foreign ministry is “extremely disappointed” by the response of Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department, to a question during a regular press briefing on July 15, 2024 (Washington time), where he made unsubstantiated claims of at least two deaths in the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh. The foreign ministry spokesperson said freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding public property and order. She said violence does not have any place in democracy and politics. “We have recently witnessed with horror an attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania, USA,” Sabrin said. She said they are “deeply concerned” by the incident and such violence runs against the core values of democracy. “The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh have separately condemned the attack and sighed relief learning that Trump was safe and recovering,” she said. To uphold democracy and democratic values, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they are committed to working together with the US. Quota reform protests: Students block several points of Dhaka-Barishal Highway When specific information on the State Department’s claim was sought from the US Embassy in Dhaka, its acting spokesperson Leonard Hill told UNB this morning that the statement was “monitoring reports” that included the injuries and deaths. “We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth,” he said.

The United States has said it is closely monitoring the developments in the case against Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “We will continue to encourage the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for Dr. Yunus as the appeals process continues,” said Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, during a regular briefing on June 4. Miller expressed concerns that these cases might represent a “misuse” of Bangladesh’s labor laws to “harass and intimidate” Dr. Yunus. Court sets June 12 for decision on whether Yunus to go on trial in embezzlement case “We also worry that the perceived misuse of labor and anti-corruption laws could raise questions about the rule of law and dissuade foreign direct investment,” he added. The government of Bangladesh has maintained that it is not a party to the case involving Dr. Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the independence and transparency of its judicial process. “With due respect to Dr. Yunus, I would like to say that the judicial process of Bangladesh is transparent. That's why many members of the ruling party face trials and even jail sentences,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told journalists recently. Dr Yunus suffering for deceiving 1.05 cr Grameen Bank members, says the bank’s Chief Legal Advisor

The Bangladesh government has set ambitious goals to expand the country’s tree cover from 22.37% to 25% of total land area by 2030. Forest coverage is also targeted to increase from 14.1% to 16%. Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury shared these objectives with UNB. “The government has adopted the National Action Program for Combating Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought for 2015-2024,” the minister told UNB.  8.33 crore trees to be planted this year during monsoon: Environment secretary In alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 15 and the decisions of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP-13, Bangladesh aims to achieve 'Land Degradation Neutrality' by 2030. A national roadmap for addressing land degradation from 2021 to 2041 has also been developed.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that the government of Bangladesh has taken a zero tolerance policy on combating corruption and will continue to work with the United States on this issue. “For combating corruption, we are working with the US. We want to work together and will continue to do that," he told reporters. Hasan was speaking at a “meet the reporters” programme today (May 21, 2024) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event. Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. He said the decision regarding the ex army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. The US Department of State on Monday announced the public designation of General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says was his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entering the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, the US State Department said. "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, it claimed. "This designation reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. Read more: Someone “paid by BNP” is deployed at US State Dept briefings: Hasan Mahmud

In an effort to promote a robust domestic debt market, the Bangladesh government is strategizing to increase its share of marketable securities in the coming years. According to a recent Finance Ministry document, the administration is also committed to continued issuance of Islamic securities Sukuks but has currently shelved plans for Eurobond issuances on the global market. As fiscal deficits loom, with projections showing a deficit of Tk 2792.3 billion for FY 2024-25 and Tk 3170.7 billion for FY 2025-26—equating to 5% of GDP each year—the government underscores the need for strategic domestic borrowing. The focus remains on minimizing borrowing costs through traditional external creditors, which are preferred, the document detailed. The strategy for addressing deficits includes an ambitious target of collecting Tk 1200.3 billion from external sources in FY 2024-25 and Tk 1306.4 billion in FY 2025-26, each constituting 2.1% of GDP. Domestic sourcing is expected to contribute significantly more, with plans to collect Tk 1677.7 billion and Tk 1864.4 billion over the same periods, representing 2.9% of GDP. UK's BII supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with $50m debt commitment to BRAC Bank Significantly, the banking sector is anticipated to contribute Tk 1384.9 billion in FY 2024-25 and Tk 1547.3 billion in FY 2025-26. In comparison, non-banking sectors will contribute Tk 292.8 billion and Tk 317.1 billion respectively. Savings certificates will add Tk 191.4 billion and Tk 190.3 billion, while other sources are projected to contribute over Tk 100 billion annually. The government maintains a prudent deficit financing policy to stave off debt distress, keeping the deficit steady at around 5% of GDP and maintaining a stable debt level at around 33% of GDP in recent years, the finance ministry document explained. This balanced approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with deficit financing while prioritizing sustainable economic development. In terms of the medium-term outlook, the government expects domestic borrowing to remain stable at 2.9% of GDP. However, the approach to marketable securities will see a significant nominal increase, with a planned reduction in the reliance on higher-cost National Savings Certificate instruments, which will see a gradual decrease in their contribution to the financing mix. External financing is also projected to increase nominally between FY 2023-24 and FY 2025-26, driven by greater disbursement for large projects and increased budget support, though dependent on the pace of project implementation. Finance ministry to cut corporate tax for industries, consumer goods in upcoming budget Bangladesh has received considerable budget support from external sources in recent years, a trend expected to continue in the medium term, the document stated, highlighting the ongoing commitment to leveraging both domestic and international financial strategies to meet fiscal challenges.