Bangladesh Records Shameful Low in Global Passport Ranking

Bangladesh has slipped further down the global passport strength ladder, ranking as the seventh weakest passport in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index (HPI) January 2026 published by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners.
Out of 101 countries assessed in the latest index, Bangladesh now stands at 95th position, with Bangladeshi passport holders able to travel to only 37 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival facilities. Although the country appears to have moved up marginally on paper from its 100th position in January 2025, analysts say the change is largely due to methodological adjustments rather than any real improvement in travel freedom.
Experts describe the current ranking as one of the lowest points in Bangladesh’s passport history in terms of actual mobility and international acceptance.
According to political and diplomatic analysts, Bangladesh’s declining passport strength is closely linked to the political upheaval of July–August 2024 and the subsequent assumption of power by the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Since then, Bangladesh’s international credibility has reportedly weakened due to questions surrounding constitutional legitimacy, the absence of a clear long-term political roadmap, and persistent internal instability.
These concerns have had a direct impact on Bangladesh’s visa regime. Diplomatic sources indicate that the United States has tightened visa conditions for Bangladeshi nationals, while European Union countries, Canada, and Australia have seen increased delays and higher rejection rates for student and work visas.
Compounding the situation, India has effectively suspended tourist visas for Bangladeshis since August 2024, severely affecting medical travel, education, and emergency visits. The restriction has created widespread hardship for ordinary citizens who traditionally rely on India for affordable healthcare and academic opportunities.
The impact is also evident in overseas employment. Except for Saudi Arabia, most Middle Eastern countries have shown growing reluctance to recruit Bangladeshi workers. Industry insiders cite political uncertainty and concerns over document credibility as key reasons behind the cautious stance of international recruiters. This has raised fears of a potential decline in remittance inflows, a crucial pillar of Bangladesh’s economy.
Meanwhile, allegations of deteriorating internal security, attacks on religious minorities, unrest in educational institutions, and stagnation in foreign investment have further damaged Bangladesh’s global image.
International relations experts warn that when a country’s political stability and governmental legitimacy are questioned, the credibility of its travel documents inevitably suffers. They argue that without a swift political resolution and the establishment of a constitutionally legitimate government through free, fair, and inclusive elections, Bangladesh’s passport crisis may deepen further.
The heaviest burden, analysts caution, will fall on students, migrant workers, businesspeople, and expatriate Bangladeshis, whose mobility and opportunities abroad continue to shrink amid the country’s growing diplomatic challenges.