Lost passport loophole exploited by trafficking networks

Criminal networks are exploiting the system for replacing lost or stolen passports to facilitate human trafficking, illegal entry and other security threats, prompting the government to tighten the rules governing reissuance of travel documents.

The number of applications for replacement passports has risen sharply in recent months, raising concern within the Ministry of Home Affairs and leading to stricter procedures for applicants reporting passports lost, stolen or damaged.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman, deputy secretary (Immigration-4) at the ministry, said passports were sensitive travel documents and their misuse could pose serious security risks, including human trafficking, illegal entry and anti-state activities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued new guidelines on Monday requiring passport holders to follow additional procedures before obtaining replacements.

Under the new rules, anyone whose passport is lost or stolen in Bangladesh must immediately report the incident through the Department of Immigration and Passports' official online system or through the prescribed offline process. 

They must also file a General Diary (GD) with the nearest police station.

Police must verify the GD and submit their report within 72 hours. If no report is received within that period, the applicant may proceed with the replacement application by submitting a copy of the GD.

For passports lost abroad, holders must report the loss through the department's online system and inform the nearest Bangladesh embassy, high commission or consulate. Replacement passports will carry a clear notice on the data page stating: "Previous Passport is Reported to be Lost."

The guidelines also bar applicants from completely changing core biographical information, including their name, date of birth and parents' names, during the reissuance process. Once a passport has been revoked after being reported lost, it cannot be reactivated or used for travel, even if it is subsequently recovered.

Authorities must update the Special Branch's Immigration Management System (IMS) immediately after a passport is reported lost and notify Interpol where necessary. No additional penalty will be imposed for a first reported loss beyond the standard passport fee. However, each subsequent loss will incur an additional Tk10,000 charge.

For partially damaged passports, applicants can seek reissuance by surrendering the identifiable portion of the document. If a passport is completely destroyed, the same procedure applicable to lost passports will apply.