During a telephone interview on 10 August 2005, an official of the Consular Affairs section of the High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa provided the following information: It is possible for an individual with an expired Bangladesh passport to renew his or her expired passport through a Bangladesh embassy or consulate so long as the passport was issued not more than ten years ago. Renewals are generally valid for five years. In the case of an expired passport being issued over ten years ago, an individual must apply for a completely new passport, which a Bangladesh embassy or consulate also has the authority to issue. The official added that if an individual has never had a Bangladesh passport, the High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa generally issues a first passport with a validity period of approximately eighteen months, after which time, the High Commission may renew the passport for longer.

The official also indicated that regardless of how long ago the passport expired, the renewal or the issuance of a new passport, depending on the date of issuance, could be arranged through a Bangladesh embassy, high commission or consulate.

The aforementioned policy is followed by all Bangladesh embassies, consulates and high commissions.

This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection.

Bangladesh. 10 August 2005. High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa. Telephone interview with an official of the Consular Affairs Section.