Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining or renewing a passport in Bangladesh no longer has much to do with long lines at a dusty counter. The country has transitioned into the era of the biometric passport and a largely digitalized procedure. But digital also means new rules, portals to know, and mistakes to avoid. This comprehensive guide to the country’s passport in Bangladesh gathers, in French, the essential information from official sources to help you navigate the process without unpleasant surprises, whether you are in Bangladesh or abroad.
Understanding the Bangladesh Passport System
Bangladesh currently issues three main categories of passports, all governed by the Department of Immigration & Passports (DIP), under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Most applicants are concerned with the ordinary passport, but knowing who does what helps in navigating the administration better.
Passports are issued by the DIP in Dhaka and distributed through its offices and missions. In case of loss, error, or change in civil status, it is imperative to follow the official renewal procedure, as any manual modification or intentional alteration of the document immediately renders it invalid.
Passport Types and Their Uses
Even though, in practice, almost everyone applies for an ordinary passport, Bangladesh maintains three official formats.
| Passport Type | Cover Color | Intended For | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | Green | Citizens for private or professional travel | Tourism, studies, business, visits |
| Official | Blue | Government officials and personnel on duty | Official missions, professional travel |
| Diplomatic | Red | Diplomats, high-ranking officials | Diplomatic functions and similar duties |
Concurrently, the country long issued Machine Readable Passports (MRP), now being phased out in favor of the biometric e‑Passport. MRPs remain valid until the printed expiration date, but they are no longer renewed in the classic sense: it is now referred to as re-issuance for an e‑Passport.
From the Old MRP Passport to the Biometric e‑Passport
Bangladesh has positioned itself as a regional pioneer by deploying the electronic passport, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The booklet contains an integrated chip that records detailed biometric data: digital photo, fingerprints of all ten fingers, iris scan of both eyes, electronic signature. All of this is protected by 41 security features, from holographic lamination to special inks.
The Bangladesh e‑Passport incorporates advanced biometric and electronic features for security and identity verification. It contains an electronic chip storing the holder’s personal data, photo, and fingerprints, facilitating border controls and reducing the risk of fraud. Its validity is 5 years for minors and 10 years for adults.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 48 or 64-page booklet, chemical-resistant textile cover |
| Biometric Data | Facial photo, fingerprints, iris, digital signature |
| Visible Data | Name, date of birth, personal number (NID/BRC), address, parents, contacts… |
| Security | 41 elements, including holograms, micro-printing, eco-friendly materials |
| Languages | Bilingual: Bengali and English |
| Validity | 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors and certain seniors |
The old handwritten passports are no longer renewed. MRPs have not been issued since 2022, except for a very limited extension for some Bangladeshis abroad. Any new application is directed towards the e‑Passport.
Requirements for Applying for the Country’s Passport in Bangladesh
Before clicking “Register” on the portal, you must verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria. The first rule is simple: the Bangladesh passport is reserved for Bangladeshi citizens – by birth, descent, or naturalization. Individuals with dual citizenship often need to provide a specific dual citizenship certificate.
Citizenship, NID, and Birth Certificate
The foundation of any application is proof of citizenship. In practice, this is established through one of the following two documents:
| Primary Document | Special Conditions |
|---|---|
| National ID Card (NID) | Standard document for adults, required for most applications |
| 17-digit Birth Registration Certificate (BRC) | Must be verifiable online and have names (applicant + parents) in English |
The birth certificate can be verified on the official portal.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
