Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said there has been no change in Bangladesh’s position towards Israel as it still does not recognise Israel, reports news agency UNB.
He said removing the words like “valid for travelling except Israel” in the new passport does not mean that there has been a change in Bangladesh’s position.
Abdul Momen made the remarks when media his comment was sought on media reports in this regard.
The foreign minister said the home ministry saw many passports of other countries around six months ago when new passports were ordered for Bangladesh.
Abdul Momen said no passport in the world contains such words which is true. “The changes have been made to maintain the global standards,” he added.
Passport is a national identity and it does not reflect foreign policy, said the foreign minister.
Earlier, deputy director general for Asia and the pacific at the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs Gilad Cohen tweeted saying Bangladesh has removed travel ban to Israel.
“Great news! Bangladesh has removed travel ban to Israel. This is a welcome step and I call on the Bangladeshi government to move forward and establish diplomatic ties with Israel so both our peoples could benefit and prosper,” he tweeted.
Bangladesh has ruled out it keeping its position unchanged.
People are not so dumb, Mr. Foreign Minister. They know it is a prelude to recognition, like many of the betrayer Arab governments have done. But, couldn’t BD have waited? To do this in the middle of one of the worst case of Israeli apartheid and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians, is like giving Netanyahu a pat on the back. Even if the country had made the decision, they could have postponed its implementation until this new incitement by Netanyahu to save his “godi” had ended.