Bangladesh passports crisis mirrors broader erosion of civic values: Report
Dhaka, Oct 21
Bangladesh’s passport credibility crisis reflects a wider decline in civic values, with corruption, deceit, and short-term opportunism becoming normalised within society and spilling beyond borders, a report said on Tuesday.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, released in October 2025, Bangladesh has fallen to the 100th position -- its lowest ranking in years -- sharing the spot with a country like North Korea, long known for its isolation.
“Across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, stories of visa overstay, illegal migration, and forged documents involving Bangladeshis have become recurring headlines. Nations that once welcomed Bangladeshi travellers are now tightening entry conditions. Vietnam, for instance, halted visa issuance for Bangladeshis in early 2025 after a surge in cases of overstaying and illegal employment,†a report in Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune detailed.
“Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have imposed new scrutiny measures, while the United Arab Emirates quietly suspended most visa categories for Bangladeshis last year. Each such policy action, however isolated it seems, collectively erodes the global trust that determines a passport’s strength,†it added.
The report stressed that what is even more alarming is that the problem is no longer only bureaucratic or procedural -- it is psychological. It said, every time a Bangladeshi passport holder stands at an airport immigration counter, they carry the weight of global suspicion.
“Yet, to attribute the crisis entirely to individual behaviour would be simplistic. The issue is structural. Bangladesh’s passport weakness reflects deeper fractures in governance, diplomacy, and domestic opportunity,†the report asserted.
“A country where unemployment remains chronically high and job creation is stagnant naturally drives its youth to seek opportunities abroad. When legal pathways narrow or become too costly, irregular migration becomes a desperate alternative. Every overloaded boat on the Mediterranean or undocumented workers abroad becomes another nail in the coffin of the Bangladeshi passport’s credibility,†it stated.
The report emphasised that acceptance in the global stage cannot be manufactured through glossy cover designs or diplomatic slogans; it must be achieved through consistent governance, transparency, and international goodwill.
“Foreign governments do not just evaluate paperwork; they evaluate a nation’s behaviour. The cumulative consequence of fraudulent migration, fake documents, and false promises in foreign employment has turned Bangladesh’s passport into a symbol of uncertainty,†it noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I understand the desperation for better opportunities, illegal migration harms genuine travelers too. Indian passport holders also face extra scrutiny sometimes because of such patterns in our region. The solution lies in creating more jobs locally.
The report makes valid points about structural issues. We've seen similar challenges in India - when governance fails, people seek alternatives. Bangladesh needs to focus on economic reforms and job creation rather than blaming individuals.
As someone who travels frequently between India and Bangladesh for work, I've noticed the increasing scrutiny. It's sad because most Bangladeshis are honest travelers. A few bad actors shouldn't ruin it for everyone. 😔
This should serve as a lesson for all developing nations. India has worked hard to improve our passport strength through better international relations and economic growth. Strong institutions and rule of law are key.
While the report is critical, I appreciate that it doesn't just blame individuals. The structural analysis is important - unemployment and lack of opportunities drive people to desperate measures. This is a complex development challenge.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.