Bangladesh moves up 3 spots in Henley Passport Index, ranks 93rd

Bangladesh has registered an improved performance in the latest global assessment of travel freedom, climbing three spots in the prestigious Henley Passport Index (HPI) to secure the 93rd position worldwide. The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures the mobility power of passports based on the number of destinations holders can access without needing a prior visa.

The movement up three places to 93rd place represents a positive, albeit modest, shift in global access for Bangladeshi passport holders. While the specific count of visa-free destinations was not detailed in the published movement summary, the enhanced ranking indicates successful diplomatic efforts in securing greater travel freedom, whether through bilateral agreements or multilateral cooperation, over the preceding assessment period.

The Henley Passport Index is regarded as the standard reference for global mobility, evaluating 199 different passports against 227 travel destinations. The methodology assigns a score based on the total number of destinations a passport holder can enter either visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or via an electronic travel authority (ETA).

The index also provides a crucial snapshot of comparative travel freedom within the South Asian region. Bangladesh now stands four places ahead of its neighbor, Pakistan, which is currently ranked 97th globally. This difference underscores the varying diplomatic successes and international standing concerning ease of travel across the subcontinent.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the report confirmed that Afghanistan continues to hold the lowest rank globally. Afghanistan remains positioned at the bottom of the index, indicating its citizens face the most restrictive international travel conditions among all countries surveyed. The regional comparison highlights the substantial disparity in the power and utility of passports issued across South Asia.

The 93rd ranking solidifies Bangladesh’s incremental progress toward achieving greater international connectivity, reinforcing the importance of diplomatic engagement in facilitating easier global access for its citizens.