Dhaka, Sep 30 (NationPress) More than a year has elapsed since the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, positioned itself as a transformative force, vowing to implement reforms, uphold dignity, and gain international recognition. However, a report released on Tuesday reveals that tangible advancements remain elusive.

It further indicates that there has been no significant implementation of reforms, nor has there been an improvement in the law and order situation; instead, a silent national crisis has emerged, prompting thousands to seek refuge abroad.

"From India to Indonesia, Vietnam to Thailand — even Tajikistan, which once facilitated e-visas within an hour — foreign governments are increasingly restricting entry for Bangladeshis. Visa denials, delays, and bans have become commonplace. The government attributes this to human trafficking and the shortcomings of its predecessor. Nevertheless, diplomats contend that the underlying issues stem from diplomatic inaction, political instability, and a lack of legitimacy in the current administration," outlined a report by 'The Diplomat'.

"In this turmoil, the Bangladeshi passport has entered a dire predicament, inflicting suffering on millions. It has transformed from a symbol of opportunity into a stark reminder of dashed hopes," the report continued.

The report highlights the Yunus-led government's initial significant failure in the realm of diplomacy.

Since the political shift in August 2024, India has halted the issuance of tourist visas to Bangladeshis, and this prohibition remains in effect a year later. Out of nearly 10 million foreign tourists who visited India from April 2023 to March 2024, over 2.1 million were from Bangladesh.

"Indonesia has similarly ceased offering on-arrival visas to Bangladeshis, citing human trafficking concerns. The visit of Indonesia's deputy foreign minister to Dhaka in June yielded no positive outcomes. Thailand, which previously processed e-visas for Bangladeshis within a week, now takes 40-50 days to handle visa applications for these nationals," emphasized the report from The Diplomat.

"The UAE has decreased the number of visas granted to Bangladeshis; currently, only 30 to 50 Bangladeshis receive UAE visas daily. Vietnam has ceased issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis, while Italy has over 60,000 pending visa applications from Bangladeshis," it added.

The report underscored that these occurrences reflect a waning global respect for the Bangladeshi passport.

By 2025, Yunus finds himself at the helm of a nation whose international dignity dwindles with each rejected visa.

"As the head of state, it is his responsibility to reinstate democratic norms and foster political stability, enabling Bangladesh to progress with dignity, preventing its citizens from enduring humiliation at foreign immigration checkpoints and halting the declining credibility of the passport," the report concluded.