A passport serves as more than just a travel document; it reflects the credibility of the issuing country at foreign borders. The strength of a nation’s passport is assessed based on factors such as document security, migration management, and accountability when citizens breach immigration rules.
Bangladesh’s relatively low ranking in global passport standings, as per the Henley Passport Index, warrants attention without resorting to comparisons or embarrassment. The index, which ranks passports based on the number of visa-free destinations they offer, places Singapore at the top in the latest 2026 ranking, with Bangladesh sharing the 97th spot alongside North Korea. This ranking does not reflect a country’s cultural worth but rather the level of confidence other nations have in allowing visa-free access to passport holders.
Improving Bangladesh’s passport strength requires more than just requesting visa-free entry from other countries. A comprehensive national mobility strategy is needed, encompassing diplomacy, secure identity systems, border management, labor recruitment, aviation, trade, and consular responsibilities.
One key step is establishing a specialized passport and mobility diplomacy unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This unit could identify potential partners, develop negotiation strategies, and coordinate with relevant ministries affecting international travel. Priority should be given to countries with increasing trade, investment, educational, labor, tourism, or aviation ties, especially those where Bangladeshi travelers have a good track record of compliance.
Enhancing passport strength may involve initiatives like electronic visas, visas on arrival, long-term multiple-entry visas for business and academic purposes, streamlined transit rules, and trusted-traveler programs. These measures, even if limited, can build confidence in Bangladeshi travelers and pave the way for broader visa access.
While the introduction of e-passports in Bangladesh is a significant milestone, ensuring the accuracy of civil records is crucial. Interoperability among databases managed by entities overseeing birth registration, national identity cards, and passports remains a challenge, leading to discrepancies that could raise suspicion.
Additionally, maintaining the integrity of passports relies on effective chip authentication at foreign borders. Bangladesh should promptly report lost, stolen, or fraudulent passports and educate host authorities on its verification and anti-fraud procedures.
It’s important to note that travelers’ behavior abroad can impact passport strength. Actions like visa overstaying, unauthorized work, fraudulent admissions, and document manipulation can result in restrictions on an entire nationality. To mitigate these risks, Bangladesh should strengthen oversight of recruitment practices, provide pre-departure information, and offer legal support abroad.
Through strategic partnerships with priority countries and regional alliances, Bangladesh can pursue easier travel arrangements for various categories of travelers. While these efforts may not immediately impact global rankings, they can enhance the practical value of the Bangladeshi passport.
In conclusion, building a stronger Bangladeshi passport requires a cohesive national strategy with clear targets and regular progress assessments. It is a collective effort that involves multiple stakeholders across different sectors to enhance the country’s credibility, connectivity, and negotiating capacity in the international arena.