The interim government in Bangladesh has reinstated the phrase "except Israel" on passports, effectively barring its citizens from traveling to Israel.

Under the new circular issued by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, the phrase "This passport is valid for all countries except Israel" has been reinstated.

Local media reported that the decision was taken following a "Free Palestine" demonstration held in the capital, Dhaka, several days ago, attended by thousands of people to denounce the Israeli massacres in the Gaza Strip.

It is noteworthy that the phrase "except for Israel" was removed from Bangladeshi passports in May 2021 during the presidency of Sheikh Hasina Wajed (2009-2024).

With full American support, Israel has continued its genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 167,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries, most of them women and children, in addition to more than 11,000 missing persons.