Dhaka: Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced today that e-passports will be accessible to everyone by the end of this year. "We will ensure e-passport for all by December 31 this year. There will be no MRP (machine readable passport) passport," he stated while speaking to journalists during his visit to the Department of Immigration and Passports in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the home adviser addressed questions regarding the issuance of passports without police verification, noting that the decision has not been finalized. He mentioned that the government is considering issuing passports based on identity cards, amid allegations that Rohingyas are obtaining Bangladeshi passports. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury further stated that the government may issue passports without police verification if the Police Reform Commission recommends it.
The home adviser urged the Department of Immigration and Passports to eliminate corruption and harassment, emphasizing its role as a service-oriented organization. He noted that corruption has significantly decreased since the new director general took charge and efforts are ongoing to make the department corruption-free.
Additionally, Jahangir addressed the government's stance on illegal foreign workers in Bangladesh. He stated that foreigners working illegally must obtain visas and legal documents by January 31. "If the foreigners fail to comply with the government order, legal action will be taken against them," he warned.