Khulna: Passport seekers in Khulna have expressed satisfaction over receiving services smoothly and without the involvement of brokers at the Khulna Divisional Passport and Visa Office. "I received my passport within seven working days, Alhamdulillah. Without the help of any brokers, I completed every step of the procedure myself, starting from the application process. It was a very easy and hassle-free experience. My passport delivery date was August 1, but I received it on Sunday," said Shakina Begum, a former professor (now on PRL) of Government Brojo Lal College, while talking to BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, another passport recipient, Abul Hashem, a worker from Paikgachha upazila scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment, shared his relief at being able to navigate the process independently. "I was thinking of getting a passport without the help of a broker. But I was afraid that I would have to face many hassles at the passport office. However, to my surprise, I found that I could apply online for an ordinary passport. There was no trouble or unnecessary waiting at any stage of the process," he said.
Abul Hashem further explained the simplicity of the process. "After simple verification of my old passport with the application form, the concerned official asked me to enter a room where my digital photograph and fingerprints were taken. Then I received a receipt mentioning the date of passport collection. What surprised me more was that I received an SMS on my mobile phone the day before the scheduled delivery date, informing me that my passport was ready for collection from the Boyra office," he added with satisfaction.
Officials from the Khulna Divisional Passport Office have been proactive in ensuring smooth services. Regular inception meetings are being held between passport officials and service seekers to raise awareness about receiving services under the Right to Information Act. Additionally, a display board has been installed to highlight the services, and awareness campaigns continue through local cable-operated television channels.
According to passport office data, the number of daily passport applicants was below 100 before March this year. The figure increased to over 225 in April and gradually rose by another 70 to 80 applicants in May and June. Md Abu Sayeed, Director of the Khulna Divisional Passport and Visa Office, confirmed that passport-related services have been ensured following government directives and that no recent complaints have been received from passport service seekers.
To ensure hassle-free services, the government has taken several initiatives, including displaying the citizen charter in open spaces, introducing mass hearings, implementing an open-door policy, establishing baby feeding corners for women applicants, and collecting opinions and satisfaction feedback from passport seekers. The number of passport applicants is expected to increase to 700 to 750 per day from August.
Sadhan Sarker, a small trader and online passport application facilitator at Sir Iqbal Road in the city, reported that many applicants from different villages seek assistance at his shop. He noted that every passport seeker expresses satisfaction after receiving their passports within the stipulated timeframe without facing hassles or requiring brokers' assistance. An applicant can receive a regular passport within 21 working days, an emergency passport within 10 working days, and a very urgent passport within two working days.