Bangladesh Reinstates Israel Travel Ban Amid Rising Solidarity With Gaza

According to reports from local media on Sunday, Bangladesh reinstated a longstanding restriction on its citizens' travel to Israel by restoring the phrase “valid for all countries except Israel” on passports. This re-establishment is particular to the mostly Muslim nation’s unwillingness to recognize Israel, a stance baked into its foreign policy.

The inscription was take off in 2021 during the previous prime minister Sheikh Hasina's governence, and was somewhat re-established after a Home Ministry order which was issued last week. Deputy Secretary Nilima Afroze in the Home Ministry confirmed the order and the immigration authorities duty to do as directed. Bangladesh never recognized Israel, even after the 2021 removal. over the years Bangladesh has offered full support to Palestinian statehood.

The decision comes as the public in Bangladesh has displayed increased solidarity with Gaza. On Saturday, around 100,000 people gathered in Dhaka to protest Israel's military actions, thus supporting the views of the government to criticize the ongoing conflict. As reported by Gaza's health officials, over 50,900 Palestinians have died in the Gaza crisis, caused by Hamas' deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, where over 1,200 Israelis were killed. The likelihood of a recent ceasefire breaking down has escalated violence, with 1,574 Palestinians reported killed just in the last month.

Bangladesh’s passport policy embodies larger regional dynamics, with Israel still a contentious point between Muslim-majority nations. The reinstatement reinforces Dhaka’s diplomatic alignment with Palestinian efforts, notwithstanding periodic deviations in administrative protocols.

Experts say the change is mainly symbolic because direct travel to Israel was already limited. Nonetheless, it shows the government’s responsiveness to domestic public opinion, which has been characterized by large crowds at pro-Palestine rallies. The rally in Dhaka, and many others, are among the largest in the world and highlight a sustained public demand for political solidarity with Gaza.