The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

British passport-holder Non Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) could maintain their Bangladeshi citizenship automatically under a new dual citizenship rule, without any certification from the Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs, a Bangladesh Home Ministry circular notified yesterday.

According to the circular, recently the Home Ministry has scrapped its previous circulars, notifications, orders or instructions issued under the Bangladesh Citizenship Temporary Provision-1972, a senior official of the Foreign Ministry said.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, during his London visit last week, conveyed the Government decision at a news conference with ethnic Bangladeshis at the Bangladesh High Commission on March 18.

Showing the Government notification to the journalists, the Chief Adviser said from now on, British passport-holder Bangladeshis would automatically retain their Bangladeshi citizenships.

"This will put an end to a longstanding problem of the Bangladeshi-Britons in retaining the dual citizenship," the official said.

Around five lakh Bangladeshi-Britons are living in the United Kingdom.

According to the Home Ministry circular, despite acquiring the British citizenship, a Bangladeshi will be able to retain Bangladeshi citizenship unless one relinquishes one's allegiance to Bangladesh "voluntarily".

Secondly, a Bangladeshi-Britons will not require permission from Bangladesh Government for retaining dual citizenship.

Thirdly, Bangladeshi citizens acquiring British citizenships will be able to preserve and use Bangladeshi passports.

Fourthly, Bangladeshi-British citizens will be able to get their Bangladeshi passports renewed after expiry of dates

Fifthly, a new Bangladeshi passport could be issued for those who have already acquired the British citizenship.

This notification will be applicable only for the expatriate Bangladeshis living in the UK, as mentioned.