How the Weak Status of Bangladeshi Passports Reflects a Crisis of Global Trust

A country’s passport represents more than just a travel document, it symbolizes national credibility, international trust, and diplomatic strength. Unfortunately, the position of Bangladesh’s passport in global rankings has become increasingly concerning. According to the UK-based Henley & Partners Global Passport Index, Bangladesh ranks 100th out of 106 countries, placing it among the seven weakest passports in the world. This ranking is not a mere number, it reflects how the world perceives Bangladesh in terms of governance, security, and international cooperation. The weaker the passport, the greater the challenges citizens face in global mobility.

The fall in ranking has been gradual but steady over recent years. In 2018, Bangladeshi passport holders enjoyed visa-on-arrival or visa-free access to 43 countries. Today, that number has fallen to just 38. This decline shows how international confidence in Bangladeshi travelers has eroded. Where once citizens could easily travel to several Asian destinations for tourism, business, or education, they now face stricter visa requirements. This has added layers of inconvenience, cost, and uncertainty to global travel, affecting students, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike.

Countries that once maintained friendly travel relations with Bangladesh, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, have become far more cautious. The visa process for Bangladeshi citizens is now complicated and time-consuming. Where a Thai visa once took 7 to 10 days, it now requires 45 to 50 days. This extended waiting period disrupts travel plans, delays business opportunities, and discourages international academic exchange. Even applicants with past travel records face new rejections without clear explanations. For many, this shift has turned simple trips into long bureaucratic struggles.

This growing restriction has severe consequences for international communication, trade, and diplomacy. When citizens find it difficult to travel, the country’s economic and educational exchanges naturally decline. Bangladeshi students pursuing higher studies abroad face hurdles in obtaining student visas, while businesspeople lose competitive opportunities due to travel delays. Tourism, an important source of cultural diplomacy, has also been affected as foreign travel agencies become less inclined to work with Bangladeshi clients. The impact is not just individual, it undermines Bangladesh’s overall engagement with the global community.

Experts point out that one of the main causes of this crisis lies in the behavior of a small segment of citizens abroad. Cases of visa overstaying, illegal migration, and involvement in unlawful activities have damaged the reputation of Bangladeshi travelers. When individuals ignore visa rules and stay illegally, they not only endanger their own futures but also tarnish the image of the entire nation. Host countries then respond with restrictive measures for all citizens, assuming that such behavior is widespread. This collective punishment, though unfortunate, is a predictable diplomatic outcome.

The issue is further complicated by internal political instability and economic uncertainty. Political unrest, corruption, and lack of transparency in governance often shape how other countries perceive Bangladesh. A stable and economically confident country tends to be viewed as a reliable partner, while instability creates suspicion. Many nations are now exercising greater caution toward Bangladeshi travelers because they fear misuse of visa privileges. Such restrictions highlight the urgent need for internal reforms to restore global trust in Bangladesh’s governance and people.

A nation’s passport strength also reflects its diplomatic reach and influence. Strong international relations and bilateral agreements can significantly improve visa accessibility for citizens. Bangladesh, despite its growing economic potential, has not yet achieved the diplomatic leverage required to negotiate favorable travel agreements with key global partners. Strengthening diplomatic missions, expanding consular cooperation, and promoting soft diplomacy could play a major role in improving the passport’s global standing. The issue is therefore not merely administrative but deeply connected to the nation’s foreign policy effectiveness.

Moreover, the credibility of a passport is closely tied to the integrity of the institutions that issue it. Reports of fake documents, irregular passport issuance, and weak border control have long undermined the credibility of Bangladeshi travel documents. If any country suspects the reliability of a passport system, they are likely to impose tougher visa conditions. Therefore, modernization of the passport system, including advanced biometric verification and digital recordkeeping, is essential. Transparent and efficient administration in passport services can send a strong signal of reliability to the international community.

Economic factors also play a crucial role. The rising number of citizens seeking jobs abroad is a reflection of domestic unemployment and limited income opportunities. While remittances from migrant workers are vital for the economy, irregular migration creates reputational risks. Some workers travel with tourist or business visas and then overstay illegally. Addressing this requires coordinated action, not only by law enforcement but also through awareness campaigns that promote legal migration channels. Creating employment opportunities at home would reduce the pressure that pushes citizens toward risky or illegal ventures abroad.

Bangladesh must also invest in image-building through global media, cultural exchange, and international events. A country’s global reputation can change when its achievements in technology, education, or innovation are recognized internationally. Promoting tourism, showcasing cultural heritage, and engaging in peacekeeping missions are all ways to rebuild trust. The government’s foreign missions should actively work to highlight Bangladesh’s positive stories and counter negative stereotypes. A nation’s soft power can often achieve what strict policies cannot.

Ultimately, the quality of a passport is a reflection of how responsibly its citizens use it. The government can negotiate and reform, but individual behavior abroad shapes long-term perceptions. Citizens must follow foreign laws, maintain good conduct, and respect the conditions of their visas. Those who misuse travel privileges make it harder for others to move freely. Awareness campaigns at community and institutional levels should remind citizens that the passport they carry represents not only themselves but also the dignity of their nation.

The weakening of Bangladesh’s passport is a symptom of deeper issues both internal and external. Political instability, corruption, illegal migration, and weak diplomacy have collectively damaged the country’s credibility. Restoring the passport’s strength requires united efforts from the government, citizens, and foreign service institutions. By improving governance, enforcing migration laws, and expanding international cooperation, Bangladesh can gradually rebuild its global reputation. A strong passport is not simply a travel convenience, it is a sign of national respect, stability, and trust. The journey to reclaim that respect must begin with accountability, reform, and pride in the identity the passport represents.


MD. Noor Hamza Peash is a legal
researcher and a freelance columnist.