Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is a status that allows an individual to hold citizenship in two different countries simultaneously. This can be advantageous in terms of travel, work, and access to social benefits.
However, not all countries permit dual citizenship, and the legal framework surrounding it can be complex. Let’s get the answer to the question of whether Bangladeshis can hold dual citizenship.
Legal Framework for Citizenship in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s legal framework for citizenship is primarily governed by the Bangladesh Citizenship Act 1951. According to the act, a person born in Bangladesh after 26th March 1971, and before the commencement of the 1972 Constitution, is a citizen of Bangladesh by birth. Moreover, a person born outside Bangladesh after the 26th March 1971, and either of his or her parents was a Bangladeshi citizen at the time of birth, is also a citizen of Bangladesh by birth.
A person who has migrated to Bangladesh before or after the commencement of the 1972 Constitution and has subsequently resided in Bangladesh for not less than five years, is also entitled to citizenship by registration. Additionally, a foreign woman who marries a Bangladeshi man is eligible to apply for citizenship after two years of marriage.
Can Bangladeshis Have Dual Citizenship?
The answer to whether Bangladeshis can hold dual citizenship is pretty straightforward. Bangladesh does not allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship.
So, How to Obtain Dual Citizenship for Bangladeshi?
However, Bangladesh permits its citizens to acquire foreign citizenship, subject to certain conditions. If a Bangladeshi citizen wants to obtain citizenship in another country, they must first renounce their Bangladeshi citizenship. Once they have acquired foreign citizenship, they can apply for the restoration of their Bangladeshi citizenship.
According to Clause (2) of Article 2B of the Bangladesh Citizenship (Temporary Provisions) Order, 1972, if Bangladeshi National Foreign Citizen Wants to get Dual Citizenship of Bangladesh he/she has to apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh by prescribed form. Ministry of Home Affairs sends this application form to SCO Wing, Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police for Police Report.
Required documents of Police Report for dual citizenship:
- Photocopy of passport of the applicant.
- Citizenship certificate of the country from where applicant got the
citizenship. - Photo copy of the Bangladeshi passport of the applicant.
- Notarial declaration from the applicant.
- Bank receipt.
- Birth certificate (If the applicant born in abroad).
- NID or passport of father/mother/close relative of the applicant.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Dual Citizenship for Bangladeshi
Dual citizenship can have several advantages, such as being able to travel freely between countries, access to more significant employment opportunities, and the ability to participate in political activities in both countries. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as being subject to the laws of two countries, potential conflicts of interest, and taxation issues.
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship for Bangladeshis
While Bangladesh does not permit its citizens to hold dual citizenship, some countries do allow it. The countries that permit dual citizenship for Bangladeshis include Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.