Repeated passport loss to cost Tk10,000 fine

An additional penalty of Tk10,000 will be charged for the reissue of lost, damaged, or stolen passports from the second incident onwards. However, no fine will be imposed beyond the regular fee for a first-time loss or damage.

The home ministry issued a circular in this regard on 21 September, consolidating and revising previous instructions on the reissue of lost, stolen or damaged passports.

The new rules also make online reporting mandatory for lost or stolen passports through the designated website of the Department of Immigration and Passports and file a general diary with the nearest police station.

The police will verify the GD within 72 hours and send a report to the passport authorities. If the report is delayed, applicants can use a copy of the GD to apply for a replacement.

If a passport reported lost or stolen is later found, it cannot be reactivated or used for foreign travel after cancellation.