The e-passport distribution program started on January 22 this year in Bangladesh. On the same day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the inauguration of the program. With the launch of ePasport, the citizens will be able to enjoy various opportunities. Let’s know in detail the different aspects of e-passport.

What is ePassport?

E-Passport is a biometric passport with electronic microprocessor chip. This electronic microprocessor contains biometric data, which carries passport holder information.

Three types of passport holder photos, 10 fingerprints and Irish eye scan – all these biometric information will be stored in the e-passport. The external features of the passport chip are comparatively verified by the electronic border control system (e-border).

Passport chip verifies data electronically through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). At present e-passport is in use in 120 countries of the world (Bangladesh is 120th) If this e-passport system is fully implemented, it will be very difficult to cheat in this system.

The difference between MRP and e-passport

MRP (machine readable passport) and e-passport (electronic passport) are almost identical from the outside, but there are some differences between them. The e-passport has a chip and antenna through which it will be possible to verify the information wirelessly.

Immigration officials in MRP passports verify the information and seal the passport. But you can complete the immigration automatically through the e-passport holder device. However, in the next step, the immigration officials will issue the entry or exit seal on the passport.

Advantages of e-passport

In addition to the usual benefits of MRP passport, e-passport holders will get some additional benefits. Using e-gate, travelers will be able to travel very quickly and easily. Using e-passport, passport holders do not have to stand in line for visa checking at different airports. Instead, you will be able to complete one of the main steps of checking the e-gate yourself.

In addition to this, there is also a system of verification by fingerprint. If all goes well, passport holders will be able to pass immigration. However, if there is any discrepancy in the mentioned process then the officials in charge will verify the information of that person. If someone has a travel ban, it will also be known through this process.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operates the Public Key Directory (PKD). As a result, aviation and land port authorities, including Interpol, will be able to easily verify this information through e-passport. It will be very difficult to forge such a passport.

Expiry of e-passport, time of distribution and fee

Passport fee will be applicable at the following rate

48-page e-passport valid for 5 years

• Regular delivery within 21 days is 4025 rupees
• Express delivery within 10 days is 6325 rupees
• Super express delivery within 2 days is 625 rupees

48 page e-passport valid for 10 years

• Regular delivery within 21 days is 5650 rupees
• 6050 express delivery within 10 days
• 10350 Super Express Delivery within 2 days

64 page e-passport valid for 5 years

• Regular delivery within 21 days is Rs
• 625 express delivery within 10 days
• Super Express Delivery within 2 days Rs. 12,075

64 page e-passport valid for 10 years

• Regular delivery within 21 days is 6050 rupees
• 10,350 express delivery within 10 days
• 13,600 Super Express Delivery in 2 days

E-passport application form has to be filled as per National Identity Card (NID) or Birth Registration Certificate (BRC). Applicants under the age of 18 who do not have National Identity Card (NID) must specify their parent’s National Identity Card (NID) number.

How to apply for e-passport?

There are 5 easy steps to apply for e-passport. Click on this link You can apply for e-passport online. The steps are given below.

Step 1: See if e-passport activities have started in the current living district

E-passport activities will be started step by step in different divisional and regional passport offices of Bangladesh and Bangladesh embassies abroad. So when e-passport activities start in your district, prepare your application. In case of online application, include the name of the district and police station according to the current address. Select the specific office from the list of Passport Offices or Embassies in Bangladesh.

Step 2: Fill out the online e-passport application form

Fill out the form and print it with the help of PDF Editor. E-passport application can be processed in two ways.

Online Application: Click for Application Process Here. Select Online Payment Options; This will save you time.

PDF Application Completion: From here After downloading the PDF application form of e-passport, you can fill it directly in the computer. Print the completed form along with the required documents (eg: National Identity Card, Old Passport) [যদি থাকে], Other proofs if applicable) Contact Passport Office or Embassy. However, make sure that e-passport activities have started in your respective office / embassy.

Remember: the application must be filled in the computer. No handwritten application will be accepted.

Step 3: Pay the passport fee

Pay the prescribed passport fee for enrollment. When you apply online you will find many options for paying fees (eg: credit card, bKash and others). Passport is required to be kept with the application form when paying the bank fee.

Step 4: Contact passport office for photo and fingerprint

Before going to the passport office for photo and fingerprint, make sure you have the necessary documents with you. Keep with you printed application form, payment slip, national identity card / birth certificate, latest old passport (if any) and other documents (which you find helpful).

Apply to the relevant passport office located inside the country according to the current address. Applications can be made to all Bangladesh embassies according to the country’s address. The following matters are verified in case of enrollment in Passport Office.

• Verification of documents and personal information
• Photograph of the applicant
• Fingerprint and Irish photography
• Whether the passport fee has been paid properly

Save the delivered slip after enrollment. Delivery slip / receipt is mandatory at the time of receipt of passport.

Step 5: Collect e-passport from passport office

The applicant has to collect the passport in person. When collecting the passport, it will be checked whether the fingerprint of the enrollment matches with the fingerprint of the applicant. The following proofs must be brought with you when collecting the passport.

• Delivery Slip / Receipt: Slip payable after completion of enrollment
• Latest old passport (if any).

Passports can be issued to suitable carriers in special cases.

• Parents / legal guardians of children under 11 (eleven) years of age should collect their national identity card, application passport delivery slip / receipt and previous passport (if any) subject to presentation of passport.
• Passport may be issued subject to verification of power of attorney, national identity card of the applicant, old passport (if any) and national identity card of the person in power, old passport (if any).

Do I have to take visa in e-passport too?

The visa issue will remain the same in the case of e-passport as in the conventional system. In other words, according to the rules of different countries, visa must be taken in person or online by fulfilling the visa requirements.

Visa authorities or embassies will be able to verify the applicant’s information using this PKD. They will then be able to affix the visa permit sticker, seal or cancel the visa on the page of the passport book.

Will MRP passport be canceled?

Officers Reported, For the time being e-passport as well as the conventional MRP passport system will continue. However, those who apply anew or those who have a previous passport (MRP) will be given e-passport. Currently MRP passport holders will be given an e-passport when they go to renew. Thus, all MRP passports will be revoked in phases.

Learn more about e-passport On this site.