Good News About Police Verification Of Passports
Good News About Police Verification Of Passports. In Bangladesh, one of the longstanding challenges faced by citizens seeking essential services, including passports and jobs, has been the cumbersome police verification process. This process, often seen as a source of frustration and delays, has also been associated with allegations of corruption and the demand for bribes. For years, individuals have had to endure unnecessary hardships while trying to access basic services like obtaining a passport or securing a job.
However, there is good news for the citizens of Bangladesh as discussions to eliminate police verification for passport issuance and other services have gained momentum. The process of police verification for passports is being phased out, bringing relief to countless people who have faced delays and complications due to this outdated procedure.
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Long-Standing Struggle of Police Verification
The police verification process has long been a point of contention, with citizens often left waiting for months as they navigate through bureaucratic red tape. The situation worsens when individuals are forced to endure long waiting periods while their applications are pending police reports. These delays not only hinder citizens from accessing vital services but also lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and frustration.
There have even been accusations that some people are being asked to pay bribes to ensure that the police verification process moves forward smoothly. Such practices have tainted the integrity of the service, with many questioning the legitimacy of the entire verification procedure.
Bold Step to Eliminate Police Verification
The recent discussions at a meeting of the Advisory Council have led to the recommendation of removing the police verification requirement altogether for passport issuance and other services. This recommendation is being taken seriously by the authorities, and the Security Services Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs has already begun working on this critical issue. The goal is to streamline the process and eliminate the unnecessary hurdles faced by citizens, especially when they need services urgently.
Expert Opinion on the Issue
Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, a prominent figure in the Public Administration Reform Commission and a former secretary, has weighed in on the matter. He emphasized that obtaining a passport is a fundamental right of every citizen, and there is no justification for requiring police verification in this process. Drawing a comparison with England, where passports are delivered directly to citizens upon application, he argued that Bangladesh should adopt a similar approach. Chowdhury’s stance is that every citizen should have the right to obtain a passport without being subjected to police verification.
He further highlighted the importance of ending the harassment and corruption associated with the current verification process. According to Chowdhury, verifying a candidate’s political affiliation or that of their family members is not only unreasonable but also serves no legitimate purpose in the process of passport issuance. The entire verification system, in its current form, has become a significant obstacle, and it is time for change.
Commission Recommendation
The Public Administration Reform Commission, under the leadership of Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, has strongly recommended that police verification should no longer be mandatory for jobs or any other public service. The commission has proposed that the police report should not be required for individuals seeking basic services, as it only adds an unnecessary burden and causes unnecessary delays.
Impact on Passport Issuance
According to sources within the Home Ministry’s Security Services Department, there are currently 16,000 passport applications pending across the country, awaiting police reports. In many cases, it takes an unreasonably long time to receive these reports, leading to significant delays in the passport issuance process. The situation becomes especially critical when individuals need emergency passports for urgent medical treatment or to attend to family matters abroad.
This delay in passport issuance often causes severe consequences, as people miss out on important opportunities or face serious complications. In some cases, the time-sensitive nature of these situations means that citizens suffer when they are unable to obtain the passport they need in a timely manner.
Future Without Police Verification
The move to eliminate police verification for passports and other services signals a new era of efficiency in Bangladesh’s citizen services. If the recommendations are implemented, citizens will no longer have to endure the bureaucratic delays associated with this process, making it easier for them to access the services they need. Furthermore, the removal of police verification will help in reducing the potential for corruption and harassment, creating a more transparent and citizen-friendly system.
As Bangladesh moves towards a more modernized and efficient approach to public services, it is hoped that these changes will lead to a smoother and more transparent process for obtaining essential documents like passports and securing jobs. This shift not only aligns with global best practices but also ensures that citizens’ rights are protected, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Conclusion
The elimination of police verification for passports is a significant step in the right direction for Bangladesh, aiming to simplify citizen services and eliminate the delays and corruption that have plagued the system for years. As discussions continue and reforms are implemented, it is expected that the government will work toward creating a more efficient and transparent system that benefits all citizens, ensuring equal access to services without unnecessary hindrances.