Bangladesh embassy in Paris launches Special Consular Service to ease e-passport backlog

In response to prolonged complaints over online appointment delays, technical glitches and difficulties in securing e-passport appointments, the Bangladesh Embassy in Paris has introduced a special consular service aimed at reducing the backlog and improving access for Bangladeshi nationals in France.

The initiative, which began on Saturday (July 25), allowed more than 80 Bangladeshi applicants to submit their e-passport applications on the first day without requiring prior online appointments.

The embassy recently replaced its email-based appointment system with a website-based online booking platform. However, limited appointment slots and a surge of simultaneous users left many applicants unable to secure appointments. 

Many expatriates reported spending hours trying to access the website without success, while others who had submitted applications by email faced lengthy waiting periods.

The delays also affected various administrative procedures for Bangladeshis living in France. Many applicants were under pressure to renew residence permits or complete other formalities with French prefectures (Préfectures), creating additional anxiety as official deadlines approached.

In response to these concerns, the embassy decided to offer special consular services on July 25, August 8 and August 22, during which e-passport applications are being accepted without prior appointments.

KFM Sharhad Shakil, Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Embassy in Paris, said more than 80 applicants were served on the first day of the initiative. He also said that applications previously submitted via email would be processed gradually over the coming weeks.

Addressing complaints about the online appointment system, Shakil acknowledged that temporary technical problems could occur when a large number of users access the website simultaneously. 

He said the embassy is working with its IT team to improve the platform, making it more reliable, efficient and user-friendly for the Bangladeshi community. 

The special consular service has also been supported by local Bangladeshi volunteers, who have assisted applicants by providing information, managing queues and offering guidance throughout the application process, helping ensure the programme runs smoothly.

Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora in France have welcomed the embassy's initiative as a positive step. However, they expressed hope that the special service would evolve into a permanent solution rather than remain a temporary measure.

They also called for the introduction of a dedicated telephone helpline, further improvements to the online appointment system and increased staffing for consular services to better meet demand.

According to expatriate Bangladeshis, implementing these measures would make e-passport services more accessible and help end the long-standing difficulties faced by applicants.