E-gate system for e-passport holders to begin soon, full rollout by December

Dhaka: The government is set to launch the new e-gate system for travelers holding electronic passports within the next few days, with full-scale operations expected by December, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on October 20.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat, Jahangir said that installation work at most airports had already been completed. “E-passport holders will soon be able to pass through e-gates automatically,” he stated.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on improving services for Bangladeshi expatriates. Jahangir revealed that the government has decided to lower passport fees for migrant workers, whom he described as “remittance warriors.”

“We’re committed to ensuring that they receive better treatment both during their travels and at airports,” he added.

Addressing queries about potential airfare reductions, the adviser said, “Biman operates in a competitive market. If it’s possible to lower fares without affecting profitability, that option will be considered.”

Referring to recent fire incidents, including the blaze at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the adviser said that several committees had been formed to investigate the causes.