The government has issued new instructions for the reissue of passports that have been lost, stolen or damaged, with a focus on verification and preventing misuse of travel documents.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Security Services Division issued the circular on Monday through its Department of Immigration and Passports-related wing.
According to the circular, individuals whose passports are lost, stolen or damaged must immediately report the incident through the prescribed procedures of the Department of Immigration and Passports.
The relevant passport information will then be verified before the reissue process is completed.
In cases involving lost or stolen passports, applicants are required to file a General Diary (GD) with the nearest police station.
The concerned police station has been instructed to verify the GD and send the necessary report to the relevant immigration and passport authorities within the specified timeframe.
The circular also outlines procedures for applicants who are abroad and need travel documents or a new passport to return to Bangladesh. Such cases will be processed after necessary verification.
The authorities have further instructed that information on lost or stolen passports be entered into the Immigration Management System (IMS). Where necessary, relevant information will also be communicated to INTERPOL for further action.
The new measures are aimed at strengthening the monitoring of lost, stolen and damaged passports and reducing the risk of their misuse.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
