The government has issued new instructions for reissuing passports that have been lost, stolen, or damaged, with a focus on verification and preventing misuse of travel documents.

The Ministry of Home Affairs' Security Services Division issued a circular on Monday through its Department of Immigration and Passports-related wing, BSS reported.

Under the circular, individuals whose passports are lost, stolen, or damaged must immediately report the incident through the department's prescribed procedures. Relevant passport information will then be verified before the reissue process is completed.

For lost or stolen passports, applicants are required to file a General Diary (GD) with the nearest police station. The concerned police station has been instructed to verify the GD and send the necessary report to the relevant immigration and passport authorities within a specified timeframe.

The circular also sets out procedures for applicants abroad who need travel documents or a new passport to return to Bangladesh, with such cases to be processed after necessary verification.

Authorities have also instructed that information on lost or stolen passports be entered into the Immigration Management System (IMS). Where necessary, authorities will also share relevant details with INTERPOL for further action.

The measures are aimed at strengthening monitoring of lost, stolen, and damaged passports and reducing the risk of their misuse.