Passports serve as more than just travel documents; they also reflect a country’s credibility at foreign borders. Assessment by immigration authorities includes evaluating the reliability of a nation’s identity records, document security measures, migration management, and willingness to take responsibility for citizens who breach immigration laws.
Bangladesh’s relatively low ranking in global passport rankings, as per the Henley Passport Index, is a matter that warrants attention without undue embarrassment or sensational comparisons. The index, which ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa, places Singapore at the top spot in the 2026 ranking, with Bangladesh sharing the 97th position alongside North Korea. This ranking primarily indicates the level of confidence other governments have in extending mobility privileges to passport holders and is not a measure of a nation’s dignity or cultural significance.
To enhance its position, Bangladesh needs to go beyond seeking visa-free access from friendly nations. A comprehensive national mobility strategy is essential, encompassing diplomacy, secure identity systems, labor recruitment, border management, aviation, trade, and consular responsibilities.
The establishment of a specialized passport and mobility diplomacy unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is crucial. This unit could identify suitable partners, develop country-specific negotiation strategies, and coordinate with relevant ministries influencing international travel decisions. Priority should be given to countries with increasing trade, investment, educational, labor, tourism, or aviation ties, particularly those where Bangladeshi travelers demonstrate low overstay rates or involvement in irregular employment.
The aim should not always be complete visa exemption but practical gains through measures like electronic visas, visas on arrival, long-term multiple-entry visas for business and academic purposes, streamlined transit regulations, and trusted-traveler programs. By demonstrating compliance through limited access, confidence in Bangladeshi travelers can be bolstered, potentially leading to broader access.
While Bangladesh’s e-passport system is a significant advancement, inconsistencies in civil records pose challenges. Greater integration among databases responsible for birth registration, national identity cards, and passports is necessary to minimize discrepancies in personal information, which can raise suspicion even in cases of administrative errors rather than fraud.
Moreover, the effectiveness of an e-passport also hinges on the ability of foreign border authorities to authenticate its chip. Bangladesh should ensure timely reporting of lost or stolen passports and educate host authorities on the country’s verification and anti-fraud protocols through its diplomatic missions.
It is essential to recognize that the conduct of travelers abroad significantly influences passport strength. Actions such as visa overstaying, unauthorized employment, fraudulent admissions, document manipulation, and unsubstantiated asylum claims can lead to restrictions affecting an entire nationality. To address this, Bangladesh must reinforce oversight in recruitment practices, provide pre-departure guidance, and offer legal support overseas.
In visa negotiations with priority countries, Bangladesh can leverage data on visitor numbers, tourism spending, educational contributions, research collaborations, and trade partnerships. The country’s bargaining power lies in its large consumer market, thriving industries like garments and pharmaceuticals, robust information technology sector, aviation demand, global diaspora, and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
Through regional collaborations like BIMSTEC, BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal), and bilateral agreements, Bangladesh can work towards facilitating easier travel for various purposes. Streamlining online applications, reducing fees, introducing business-travel cards, and simplifying land-border permits may not immediately impact global rankings but can enhance the practical value of the passport.
It is crucial to maintain confidence in state institutions, migration governance, and adherence to international obligations to sustain passport power. Therefore, Bangladesh should devise a long-term mobility strategy with clear objectives, regular progress reports, and evaluations of diplomatic missions’ performance to enhance the credibility and practical utility of its passport.
Ultimately, building a stronger Bangladeshi passport requires concerted efforts across various government departments and agencies to uphold national credibility, connectivity, and negotiation capabilities.
