Controversial Inscription About Israel Returned to Passports of an Asian Country
Bangladesh has taken a new step that underscores the deterioration of relations with Israel. The country's authorities decided to restore a wording in citizens' biometric passports that excludes the possibility of using the document for…
Assessment
Bangladesh is reinstating language in its biometric passports that explicitly bars holders from traveling to Israel, a symbolic escalation reflecting the deteriorating bilateral relationship. The move comes amid heightened tension following the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war, though Bangladesh has never recognized Israel or maintained diplomatic ties. The key question is whether this is purely a political gesture or the first step toward further diplomatic or economic measures.