Analyzing Bangladesh’s Passport Rank: A Global Comparison
Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar. It is home to approximately 160 million people and has a rich cultural heritage. Bangladesh’s passport rank, which is based on the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations available to its citizens, has been a point of discussion in recent years. In this article, we will analyze Bangladesh’s passport rank in comparison to other countries and discuss the factors that affect it.
Passport Ranking Methodology
The Henley Passport Index is a ranking of passports based on the number of destinations that a passport holder can access without prior visa arrangements. The index is updated on a regular basis and includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. The Global Passport Power Rank, another commonly used ranking system, is based on the same principle of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
Bangladesh’s Passport Rank
According to the Henley Passport Index, Bangladesh ranks 101st out of 199 countries in terms of passport power. This means that a Bangladeshi passport holder can access 41 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. This places Bangladesh on par with countries like Lebanon and Kosovo.
In comparison, Japan holds the top spot with its citizens enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations. Singapore, South Korea, and Germany round out the top three with access to 190, 189, and 188 destinations, respectively.
Factors affecting Passport Rank
Several factors affect a country’s passport rank, including diplomatic relations, political stability, and economic performance. These factors determine how a country is perceived by other nations and the degree of trust placed in its citizens.
Diplomatic relations play a significant role in determining a country’s passport rank. If a country maintains strong and cordial relations with other nations, its citizens are likely to enjoy greater visa-free access to those countries. Conversely, if a country has a history of diplomatic tensions or is involved in conflicts, its passport rank may suffer.
Political stability is another crucial factor. If a country experiences frequent political upheavals or is unable to maintain law and order, its passport rank may suffer. This is because other countries may view its citizens as a security risk and impose stricter visa requirements.
Finally, economic performance also influences passport rank. If a country has a strong and stable economy, its passport rank is likely to be higher. This is because such economies are viewed as more trustworthy, with their citizens less likely to engage in illegal activities abroad.
FAQs
What is Bangladesh’s current passport rank?
Bangladesh currently ranks 101st out of 199 countries in terms of passport power, based on the Henley Passport Index.
What are the factors that affect a country’s passport rank?
Several factors affect a country’s passport rank, including diplomatic relations, political stability, and economic performance.
What countries currently hold the top three positions in passport rank?
Japan is currently ranked first in terms of passport power, followed by Singapore and South Korea.
How often is the Henley Passport Index updated?
The Henley Passport Index is updated on a regular basis. Updates are made as and when changes to visa policies are announced by various countries.
What are the benefits of a higher passport rank?
A higher passport rank allows passport holders to enjoy greater visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a greater number of destinations, thus making travel easier and more convenient. It also reflects positively on a country’s economic and political performance and can boost its international image.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s passport rank is an important indicator of its standing among the community of nations. While it currently ranks relatively low in the global scheme of things, factors such as stronger diplomatic ties, greater political stability, and steady economic performance could help improve its passport rank in the future. As with other developing countries, Bangladesh holds huge potential for growth, and increasing passport power is one step on the road to achieving that goal.