The government has introduced stricter rules for reissuing passports reported lost, stolen or damaged in Bangladesh amid a sharp rise in applications for replacement passports.
The Home Ministry has imposed several restrictions to prevent misuse of passports and curb human trafficking, illegal entry and anti-state activities.
The ministry’s Immigration-4 branch issued the directive on September 21, saying passports are highly sensitive travel documents and must be protected against misuse.
Under the new guidelines, anyone who loses or damages a passport must immediately report it online through the Department of Immigration and Passports website and file a general diary (GD) with the nearest police station. The police must verify the GD and send a report within 72 hours.
If the report is not received within 72 hours, the applicant can submit a copy of the GD and apply for a new passport after a “Lost Circular” is issued.
If a visa agency, individual or organisation unlawfully withholds a passport and it cannot be recovered, the previous passport may be revoked and a new one issued.
Information on lost or stolen passports will be updated in the Special Branch’s Immigration Management System (IMS), with INTERPOL to be notified when necessary.
For Bangladeshis who lose their passports abroad, the relevant Bangladesh embassy or high commission must be notified. The mission will issue a Lost Circular and complete the reissuance process.
A reissued passport will carry the notation “Previous Passport is Reported to be Lost” on its data page. The holder’s basic information, including their name, parents’ names and date of birth, cannot be changed during reissuance.
A revoked passport cannot be used for travel even if it is later recovered. The holder must immediately inform the relevant authority or police station so that the passport can be deactivated.
No additional penalty will be charged for a first-time loss or damage, apart from the prescribed fee. However, a person who loses a passport again will have to pay an additional Tk10,000 as a penalty.
The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Nuruzzaman, took effect on September 21.