e-passport from Wednesday

Distribution of the e-passport (electronic passport) will start from January 22 as the authorities have completed preparation and formalities in this regard.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said this at a press briefing on Sunday noon.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally launch the e-passport distribution as the chief guest to be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), the minister said.

He said initially the DIP will distribute e-passport from Agargaon, Jatrabari and Uttara passport offices and later delivery of the e-passport will be started in phases.

A renowned German company Veridos GmbH has been working on e-passport and e-gate in the country, he said, adding that efforts are underway to make immigration process flawless with introduction of the e-passport.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there are more than 100 states and non-state entities (i.e. United Nations) currently issuing e-Passports, and over 490 million e-passports in circulation.

As a result, the passports of those who apply first will be made from Germany. Validity of e-passport will be for five and 10 years.

 

Dhaka/Noimuddin/Mukul