Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the electronic passport (e-passport) system will be fully implemented by December 31 of this year. He made the statement on Monday, January 6, during a briefing with journalists following a discussion with officials of the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) at its conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka.

According to the adviser, efforts are underway to ensure that the e-passport system becomes fully operational within the year, eliminating the use of machine-readable passports (MRPs). He also expressed his commitment to completing the transition to e-passports within his term of office.

The adviser highlighted significant improvements in the operations of the Department of Immigration and Passports under the leadership of its current Director General, Major General Md. Nurul Anwar. He noted that corruption within the department has significantly decreased but emphasized the need to bring it down to zero.

Discussing immigration policies, the adviser issued a stern warning to foreign nationals residing in Bangladesh without valid documentation. He stated that all foreign nationals must regularize their stay or work permits by January 31, 2025, by providing the necessary documentation. Failure to comply will result in legal action starting February 1. He also mentioned that a public notice regarding this issue has been published in several national newspapers to ensure awareness.

When asked about the potential removal of police verification in the passport issuance process, the adviser said that a decision would be made after consultations with relevant stakeholders. He stressed that the government is taking strict measures to prevent Rohingyas from acquiring Bangladeshi passports under any circumstances, reiterating the government's firm stance on the issue.

Earlier in the day, the adviser visited several branches of the Department of Immigration and Passports, including the MRP printing section, data center, and personalization center. During his visit, he provided necessary guidelines and instructions to improve operational efficiency. The Director General of the department, Major General Md. Nurul Anwar, accompanied the adviser during the tour.

The government’s ambitious plan to roll out e-passports is part of a broader strategy to modernize the country's immigration and documentation processes. By transitioning away from MRPs, the e-passport system aims to enhance security, improve efficiency, and align with international standards.

In addition to streamlining passport issuance, the government is taking measures to tighten immigration controls and ensure compliance with legal residency requirements. These steps reflect a concerted effort to address long-standing challenges in the immigration system, improve service delivery, and bolster national security.

The implementation of the e-passport system is expected to mark a significant milestone in Bangladesh's journey toward a more modernized and accountable immigration system. With the December 31 deadline in sight, authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure that the transition is seamless and effective.