Global Acceptance of Bangladeshi Passport Also Declining
Since the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed office on August 8, 2024, Bangladesh’s foreign policy has noticeably lost its clarity and firmness. This period has seen a series of diplomatic challenges that have significantly weakened the country’s international standing and global acceptability. One alarming reflection of this trend is the declining global acceptance of the Bangladeshi passport, which foreign policy analysts say bodes ill for the nation.
Strained Relations with Neighboring India:
With India surrounding Bangladesh on three sides, historically the two countries have shared a friendly relationship. However, since the interim government came to power, bilateral ties have significantly cooled. India’s visa process has become increasingly stringent and slow. Apart from medical visas, Bangladeshis are now largely unable to obtain other types of Indian visas. Moreover, no high-level bilateral meetings or new joint projects have been observed in recent months.
Analysts believe India is uncomfortable with Bangladesh’s vague and uncertain foreign policy under the interim government. Despite nine months in power, Dr. Yunus has not held any official bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A brief 15-minute informal conversation during the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand is the only interaction so far, which international observers considered a mere diplomatic courtesy.
On the other hand, relations with Pakistan have started warming up. Since August 5, trade communications between Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed, and the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka has become increasingly active. Dr. Yunus has held several one-on-one meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during international summits, where they reportedly discussed strengthening bilateral ties. These developments have reportedly caused further diplomatic unease in India.
Weak Diplomacy:
During the Awami League government’s tenure, Bangladesh pursued a balanced and well-structured foreign policy, guided by the principle: “Friendship to all, malice to none.” Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government maintained strategic relations with India, China, the United States, and Russia, achieving key milestones in border agreements, power imports, and transit arrangements. Although the Teesta water-sharing agreement remained pending, discussions were ongoing. This diplomatic continuity has essentially come to a standstill under the current interim government.
Decline in International Aid and Investment:
The approval of loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is facing delays. Despite lobbying efforts by the Governor of Bangladesh Bank during a visit to the U.S., the next loan installment has not been secured. At one point, he remarked that “Bangladesh would be fine without the IMF loan.” Analysts argue this situation has arisen due to a lack of transparency and political stability under the interim government.
Similarly, Bangladesh’s relationships with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), JICA, and the World Bank have weakened, leading to a noticeable drop in foreign investment. Investors now view Bangladesh as politically and economically risky. Although the government recently held an investment summit to attract global investors, none of the expected large-scale investments have materialized yet—raising doubts about future outcomes.
Global Acceptance of the Bangladeshi Passport Declining:
Another major reflection of weak foreign policy is the decreasing global acceptance of the Bangladeshi passport. Traveling and migrating abroad are becoming increasingly difficult for Bangladeshi citizens. Several Southeast Asian countries have restricted or suspended tourist visas for Bangladeshis.
In January this year, Vietnam completely stopped issuing visas to Bangladeshis (Source: Bonik Barta, May 11). Additionally, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia have introduced complex conditions for Bangladeshi visa applicants.
Since July of last year, the United Arab Emirates has unofficially halted the issuance of both tourist and labor visas to Bangladeshis without any formal announcement.
India, since August 5, 2024, has suspended nearly all types of visas, except for emergency medical ones. As a result, travel routes through Nepal and Bhutan have also become restricted.
In the global passport strength index published by the UK-based Henley & Partners, Bangladesh now ranks 95th out of 199 countries in the 2025 edition. Even North Korea ranks above Bangladesh at 94th. Bangladesh shares its rank with war-torn Libya.
Moreover, in the index by global tax and migration consultancy ‘Nomad Capitalist’, Bangladesh ranks 181st. This index evaluates five criteria: visa-free travel, tax system, global reputation, dual citizenship options, and personal freedom. Bangladesh scored only 38, clearly showing the country’s declining global acceptance.