Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that electronic passports (e-passports) will be fully launched by December 31 of this year.

He disclosed the matter to reporters after visiting the Agargaon Passport Office in the capital on Monday (January 6) morning.

He said: "The government is trying to convert all passports into electronic passports. The work on e-passport will be completed this year itself. I want to complete this work during my tenure."

The Home Affairs Advisor said that the quality of service will be improved as it still takes a long time to get a passport. 

"I have promised to speed up the work. However, the Rohingyas will not get the opportunity to use Bangladeshi passports in any way,' he added.

When asked whether police verification will be dropped for passport applications at this time, he said, "A decision will be taken in this regard through discussions with everyone. The decision will be taken after considering everything, whether we will benefit or face problems if we do so." 

He also warned that legal action will be taken against those who are staying in Bangladesh without a visa by January 31 if they do not obtain a visa.

BDST: 1250 HRS, JAN 06, 2025
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