Why is Bangladesh's passport weak and keeps slipping further
According to migration expert Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, an associate professor at North South University, the passport’s weakness mirrors the country’s internal condition
A combination of political instability, poor global perception, and weak diplomatic outreach has made the Bangladeshi passport one of the weakest in the world — and it continues to lose ground each year.
Economic pressures and rising cases of visa overstay have further eroded international trust, limiting global mobility for its citizens.
In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Bangladesh ranks 100th out of 106, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 38 destinations.
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The position marks another step down from previous years, reflecting deep-rooted structural issues rather than temporary setbacks.
According to migration expert Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, an associate professor at North South University, the passport's weakness mirrors the country's internal condition.
"When you have no democratic process, limited worker rights, and growing insecurity, how do you expect your ranking to improve? Until you fix these issues, it will continue to deteriorate," he said.
The perception of illegal migration is another key factor. Many Bangladeshis overstay their visas abroad, prompting countries to tighten entry rules.
Popular travel filmmaker Nadir Nibras recently shared that seven out of 17 visa applications he made last year were rejected — even by countries that had previously granted him visas.
The situation has worsened since the July Uprising, which heightened global concern over Bangladesh's political instability. Protests and unrest have led other nations to view the country as risky for potential asylum seekers, resulting in stricter visa scrutiny.
Economic factors add to the challenge.
High youth unemployment — estimated by the International Labour Organization at 16.8% for 2025 — strengthens the perception that Bangladeshi travellers might seek work abroad rather than return home.
The growing suspicion has already translated into tighter visa rules, such as Denmark's recent restrictions on Bangladeshi and Nepali students.
The Danish government said many students from these countries misuse education as a "backdoor" to its labour market.
Experts also point to Bangladesh's weak diplomatic outreach. Despite having millions of migrant workers worldwide, the country's foreign missions have not pursued reciprocal visa deals or improved mobility agreements.
In contrast, smaller nations like the Maldives have leveraged tourism and international relations to expand travel freedom.
Ultimately, the passport's weakness reflects a broader problem of trust.
Unless Bangladesh restores political stability, strengthens governance, and re-engages diplomatically, its green passport will continue to raise red flags abroad.
