### Bangladesh's Public Outcry Leads to Reinstatement of 'Except Israel' Clause on Passports - In response to escalating public anger over Israel's military actions in Gaza, Bangladesh has reinstated the "except Israel" clause on its passports. This decision reflects a significant shift in the country's stance towards Israel, particularly following massive protests in Dhaka where approximately 100,000 demonstrators rallied against Israeli actions, showcasing their solidarity with Palestine and condemning the U.S. for its support of Israel [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2539809/bangladesh-brings-back-except-israel-phrase-on-passports-after-gaza-protests][https://www.republicworld.com/videos/global/bangladesh-gaza-protest-vandalize-food-outlets]. ### Overview of the Situation and Its Implications 1. **Public Protests**: - Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Dhaka, with estimates reaching around 100,000, to express their outrage against Israel's actions in Gaza. The protests included symbolic displays such as coffins to represent civilian casualties [https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2025/4/13/at-least-100000-protesters-rally-for-gaza-in-bangladeshs-capital][https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bangladesh-reintroduces-except-israel-inscription-on-passports-amid-public-outrage-over-gaza-strikes-2025-04-13-985356]. 2. **Government Response**: - The Bangladeshi government, responding to the public outcry, has reintroduced the "except Israel" clause on passports, which had been removed in 2021. This reinstatement is seen as a direct reaction to the protests and the growing sentiment against Israel's actions [https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/bangladesh-brings-back-except-israel-passport-ban-as-gaza-protests-rage/cid/2093928][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3344538-bangladeshs-passport-policy-shift-except-israel-reinstated-amid-public-outcry]. 3. **Historical Context**: - The "except Israel" clause was initially dropped during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Its reinstatement marks a significant policy reversal amid heightened tensions in the region [https://www.newsdrum.in/international/bangladesh-reintroduces-except-israel-inscription-on-passports-amid-public-anger-over-gaza-situation-8957951][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3343950-bangladeshs-passport-policy-shift-except-israel-reinstated-amid-public-outcry]. ### Evidence of Public Sentiment and Government Action - **Protest Statistics**: - Approximately **100,000** protesters participated in the rally in Dhaka, indicating a strong public sentiment against Israel's actions [https://www.seattlepi.com/news/world/article/some-100-000-rally-against-israel-in-bangladesh-s-20272389.php]. - **Government Policy Change**: - The Home Ministry confirmed the reinstatement of the "except Israel" clause, highlighting the government's responsiveness to public opinion [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3343950-bangladeshs-passport-policy-shift-except-israel-reinstated-amid-public-outcry]. ### Conclusion: A Shift in Bangladesh's Diplomatic Stance 1. **Public Mobilization**: The massive protests in Dhaka reflect a significant mobilization of public sentiment against Israel, leading to a policy shift by the Bangladeshi government. 2. **Policy Reinstatement**: The reintroduction of the "except Israel" clause on passports signifies a clear stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and aligns with the public's demand for solidarity with Palestine. 3. **Future Implications**: This development may influence Bangladesh's diplomatic relations and its position in international discussions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In summary, the reinstatement of the "except Israel" clause on Bangladeshi passports is a direct response to widespread public protests against Israel's actions in Gaza, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and public sentiment towards the ongoing conflict [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2539809/bangladesh-brings-back-except-israel-phrase-on-passports-after-gaza-protests][https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2025/4/13/at-least-100000-protesters-rally-for-gaza-in-bangladeshs-capital].