The Bangladesh government is planning to grant dual citizenship to Bangladeshi expatriates residing in different countries, except those staying in SAARC nations, by amending the Citizenship Act, 1951. Currently the government awards dual citizenship to Bangladeshi expatriates of some countries, including the USA, the UK, Hong Kong and Malaysia. At least 85 lakh Bangladeshis live in 157 countries across the world. Additional secretary, Md Shafiqul Islam has told The Independent that this was being done “for increased connectivity with the roots.”
“We also have plans to grant citizenship to renowned foreigners living in this country for long and who have been contributing towards the economic, cultural and all round growth of this nation,” he added.
The senior bureaucrat said those who would receive citizenship status would get passport and the national identity card. “We have had several rounds of discussion on the issue, particularly amendment of the Act. The process will be completed soon,” Islam claimed.
Sources in the home ministry said thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis enter the country every month, but cannot stay for long as they do not enjoy dual citizenship. After the amendment of the Citizenship Act, Bangladeshis obtaining citizenship of another country need not give up their Bangladeshi citizenship. “The dual citizenship status will allow such beneficiaries to spend more time in this country and swell the nation’s economy in turn,” pointed out the sources.
Under the existing Act, citizens of some foreign countries who are of Bangladeshi origin by birth and their children, can apply for dual nationality certificate. So far, over 1,000 expatriate Bangladeshis in some countries have got dual citizenship from the home ministry since January.
-With The Independent input
