Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that electronic passports (e-passports) will be fully implemented across Bangladesh by December 31 this year, replacing the existing Machine Readable Passports (MRPs).

“The work of the e-passport system will be fully implemented within this year. After that, there will be no MRPs. Efforts are being made to complete the process during my tenure,” he said during a press briefing on Monday following a meeting with officials of the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) at its headquarters in the capital.

Referring to reforms within the DIP, the adviser said that corruption levels in the department have significantly reduced under the current director-general but stressed that it must be brought down to zero.

About foreign nationals illegally residing in Bangladesh, he announced a deadline of January 31, 2025, for them to regularise their status by obtaining proper documentation. "Legal action will be taken against those failing to comply. The government has issued public notices in national dailies regarding this matter.”

Passport Process Overhaul

The adviser acknowledged long-standing issues with the passport application process and indicated ongoing discussions about potential reforms, including the contentious requirement of police verification. “A decision will be made after consultations with all stakeholders,” he said.

Jahangir Alam also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that Rohingyas are not able to obtain Bangladeshi passports, stating, “We will ensure they do not have any opportunity to misuse our passport system.”

E-Passport: A Step Towards Modernisation

During his visit to the DIP, the adviser toured its key sections, including the MRP printing section, data centre, and personalisation centre, providing directives to expedite the transition to e-passports.

DIP Director-General Maj Gen Mohammad Nurul Anwar and other senior officials were present during the visit.

Challenges in Passport Services

Despite the promise of e-passports, significant challenges persist in Bangladesh's passport services:

Complex Application Process: Applicants face multiple steps and must be present in person for submission and collection, which can be time-consuming.