Police Verification on Passports Cancelled

Police Verification on Passports Cancelled. Police verification of passports has been canceled by the Bangladesh government to streamline the process and ensure citizens have a more convenient passport application process. As a result of this decision, bureaucratic delays will be eliminated, and passport applications will be processed more efficiently.

Government Announcement on Passport Police Verification

According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 18, this significant policy change has been implemented. Kazi Golam Tousif, Additional Secretary of the Security Services Division, signed the circular. The government is taking this step as part of its broader agenda to modernize public services and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

How the New Passport Issuance Process Works

Passport applications will now rely solely on online verification of National Identity Card (NID) information with the elimination of police verification. Digitalization will increase transparency, speed, and efficiency in the system.

Key Changes in the Passport Issuance System:

New Passport Applicants: Police verification will no longer be required for citizens. Application processing will instead rely on electronic verification of their NIDs.
Bangladeshis Residing Abroad & Minors: Expats and minors applying for a passport will also be exempt from police verification. Their birth registration certificates will be used for verification.
Passport Reissuance: Applicants who request a passport reissue due to changes in their name, parent’s name, date of birth, or place of birth will have their NID cross-checked instead of going through police verification.

Why This Move is Significant?

Many times, delays and unnecessary hassles resulted from police verification of passport applications, resulting in delays, unnecessary hassles, and, sometimes, corruption. By removing this requirement, passport services will become more accessible and efficient.

The Public Administration Reform Commission had previously proposed removing police verification from passport application procedures, which aligns with this reform. This change demonstrates the government commitment to improving public service delivery and reducing administrative burdens.

Benefits of the New Passport Verification Process

Faster Processing: Police verification is eliminated, which significantly reduces passport issuance time.
Less Hassle for Citizens: No more police station visits or waiting for verification, making the application process easier for citizens.
Reduced Corruption Risks: Because the new system minimizes human intervention, unethical practices are less likely to occur.
Digital Transformation: This reform promotes the digitalization of government services to ensure greater transparency and efficiency.

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Conclusion

In Bangladesh, the cancellation of police verification for passport issuance represents a major step toward more efficient governance and public service modernization. The government is ensuring a hassle-free experience for citizens by shifting to online verification of NIDs and birth certificates. Millions of Bangladeshis, especially those living abroad, will benefit from this move, especially those who previously faced significant difficulties obtaining passports.