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PM among first 15 MRP holders

UNB, Dhaka
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday launched the machine readable passport (MRP) and machine readable visa (MRV) elevating the country's passport and visa system to international standard.
“Introduction of MRP and MRV would put an end to tampering of passport and visa and harassment particularly faced by the innocent expatriate Bangladeshi workers,” she said while inaugurating the launching of the MRP and MRV at a function at the Osmani Memorial Hall.
The premier said the MRP and MRV would also play a role in checking drugs and arms smugglers as well as militant and terrorist activities.
“No more handwritten passport...today we have entered the digital era with the introduction of MRP and MRV” Hasina told the function.
In March 2009, the present government approved the
introduction of MRP and MRV project at a cost of Tk 526 crore.
Hasina said the five-year project is progressing fast and on completion of the project, the MRP and MRV activities would not end as it is a continuing process.
With the introduction of the MRP and MRV, one will not be able to use double passports. Data and statistics of the Bangladeshi travellers, who will leave the country and enter the country from abroad, will be preserved, she said.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun first handed over the PM's MRP to her. Later, the PM handed over 14 MRPs to 14 people, including ministers, teachers, journalists, students and labourers.
Those who received the MRPs from the prime minister include: Deputy Leader in Parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Planning Minister AK Khandaker, Army Chief General M Abdul Mubeen, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, DU Vice-chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, Director General of Rapid Action Battalion Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, FBCCI President Annisul Huq, Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar and BSS Editor Ehsanul Karim.
Hasina informed that nineteen new regional passport offices will be set up in the country in addition to the existing 15 regional passport offices.
Regional passport offices will be established in phase in each district to reach the MRP and MRV to the doorstep of the people, she said.
Hasina said necessary equipment and manpower will be in place at Bangladesh missions abroad to issue MRP and MRV for Bangladeshis living in foreign countries. She asked the foreign minister and the home minister to take necessary actions in this respect.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Director General of Passport and Immigration Abdul Mabud, MRP and MRV Project Director Brig Gen Rafeyet Ullah, among others, spoke at the function.