In today's globalized era, a passport is far more than a mere travel document; it stands as a symbol of a nation's sovereignty and dignity on the international stage. Regrettably, however, the infighting and mudslinging among expatriate Bangladeshis are tarnishing our national image. Political animosity and social discord among our expatriate brothers and sisters scattered across the globe are undermining the prestige of our red-and-green passport.

There have been countless incidents of conflict among Bangladeshi expatriates. On April 15, 2023, a violent altercation broke out between two political factions during an Iftar gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, leading to the arrest of several expatriates by local police. Similarly, on May 12, 2024, a bloody clash erupted in Rome, Italy, during a social event, fueled by a struggle for dominance. Furthermore, on August 10, 2024, a businessman was critically injured in Athens, Greece, due to internal factional rivalry. On September 5, 2024, a fierce brawl broke out between two groups of a political party in London, UK; the incident received highly negative coverage in the local media. Meanwhile, on November 20, 2024, a shameful incident involving the hurling of chairs occurred during a Victory Day celebration organized by Bangladeshis in Paris, France. Additionally, on January 15, 2025, three expatriates in Muscat, Oman, faced serious legal complications arising from regional infighting.

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a conflict between two groups of workers on March 10, 2025, disrupted the work environment, prompting local authorities to repatriate several Bangladeshis. Subsequently, on May 5, 2025, expatriates engaged in a physical altercation during a business meeting in Dubai, UAE. On June 20, 2025, several expatriates in Singapore lost their jobs following a regional dispute at their dormitory.

Finally, on July 15, 2025, extreme tension and a scuffle broke out between two factions at a fair in Toronto, Canada. Canadian media characterized this incident as internal discord among expatriates. Meanwhile, on August 25, 2025, a major conflict erupted between two groups of expatriates in Sydney, Australia, centering on the chanting of political slogans. Furthermore, on September 5, 2025, a dispute between expatriate organizations in Manama, Bahrain, made it difficult for ordinary Bangladeshis to obtain visas.

A violent clash between two expatriate clubs was recorded in Kuwait City on October 12, 2025. Local authorities subsequently revoked the iqama (residency/work permits) of the Bangladeshis involved. Later, on November 8, 2025, expatriates engaged in a severe brawl among themselves while attending a football tournament in Doha, Qatar.

On January 5, 2026, an unprecedented exchange of hostile accusations and mudslinging occurred between two expatriate factions during a street rally in New York, USA. Subsequently, on February 20, 2026, one faction attacked another during an International Mother Language Day event in Berlin, Germany. Additionally, on March 15, 2026, a conflict among expatriates in Tokyo, Japan, escalated to the point of legal proceedings.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 10, 2026, individuals were attacked by their own compatriots amidst a struggle for dominance. Later, on May 25, 2026, a heated argument and physical altercation broke out among expatriates in Madrid, Spain, over the distribution of political manifestos. Following this incident, Spanish authorities restricted permissions for expatriate gatherings. Once again, on June 12, 2026, a dispute between two workers in the Maldives took a severe turn.

On July 5, 2026, a conflict between two expatriate groups in São Paulo, Brazil, tarnished the reputation of our national passport. Local authorities subsequently announced stricter regulations for issuing visas to Bangladeshis. Later, on July 20, 2026, expatriates clashed among themselves in Seoul, South Korea, over the chanting of political slogans at a cultural event. Furthermore, on August 10, 2026, infighting among expatriates in Geneva, Switzerland, caused embarrassment on the global stage.

On August 15, 2026, a dispute between two groups of expatriate businesspeople in Lisbon, Portugal, led to legal complications. Subsequently, on August 30, 2026, followers of two opposing political ideologies caused severe chaos at a seminar for expatriates in Brussels, Belgium. Later, on September 5, 2026, several individuals were detained in Cyprus following an internal clash among expatriates.

On September 12, 2026, a conflict between two factions of expatriate students in Moscow, Russia, escalated significantly. University authorities were compelled to temporarily suspend and fine the students found responsible. Such incidents across various countries have severely devalued our passport on the international stage.

A major gathering of world leaders is currently underway in New York City, USA. Intense tension arose there on September 21, 2026, surrounding the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Various political groups of expatriate Bangladeshis took to the streets in Jackson Heights, New York, carrying banners and placards. They began shouting highly provocative slogans against one another. Such infighting is once again tarnishing Bangladesh's image on American soil.

The conflict intensified further when the Prime Minister of Bangladesh arrived in New York on September 22, 2026. Opposing factions organized counter-demonstrations in front of the Prime Minister's hotel and the UN headquarters. Such behavior by expatriates, displayed before the cameras of global media, is constantly undermining the dignity of our red-and-green passport. This unsightly display of political grievances abroad is drawing widespread condemnation.

Tensions are likely to escalate further when the Prime Minister addresses the General Assembly on September 24, 2026. Various expatriate organizations are issuing calls on social media for counter-protests and resistance. It is feared that this infighting could lead to severe chaos on the streets of New York in the coming days.

In this context, expatriates must send a message of unity from the UN General Assembly to safeguard Bangladesh's image and prevent the devaluation of the 'red-and-green' passport. All Bangladeshi expatriate groups in New York must rise above partisan views and prioritize the nation's honor above all else. Amidst this gathering of world leaders, it is crucial to cease mudslinging and demonstrate the character of a mature nation. Let this session serve as a unique platform to showcase our unity and harmony abroad.

Mainstream political parties in Bangladesh must rein in the blind partisanship of their overseas branches. Strict directives must be issued to prevent the spread of provocative or vindictive politics on foreign soil. Only the goodwill of political parties can put an end to this culture of ugly infighting abroad. Party activists must be taught that the country's image is far more important than partisan interests.

The Government of Bangladesh must take robust and effective diplomatic measures to protect the nation's image abroad. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies in various countries should regularly organize seminars and cultural events to foster unity among expatriates. Stern legal action is essential against those who tarnish the country's reputation while abroad.

Ordinary expatriates living across the globe need to shift their mindset. The country's reputation should always take precedence over individual or party interests while living abroad. Moving beyond mutual mudslinging to support one another in times of crisis should be the primary objective of expatriate life. If we do not respect ourselves, no other nation will respect us.

Civil society members and community leaders abroad must play a bold and impartial role in resolving this conflict. Without taking sides with any political party, they should work to maintain peace and harmony among the expatriate community. Initiatives must be taken to resolve various social disputes through dialogue at the very outset.

Domestic and expatriate media outlets must demonstrate highly responsible journalism in this regard. Positive media coverage can foster a healthy and harmonious culture among the expatriate community. The media must always play a vocal role in countering the rumors and inflammatory news spread via social media.

All other stakeholders—such as expatriate businesspeople, social organizations, and the youth—must step forward to safeguard the country's image. Creative initiatives are needed to promote a positive brand image for Bangladesh abroad. A spirit of patriotism and an awareness of the importance of upholding the dignity of the passport must be instilled in the new generation of expatriates. Through collective effort, the mudslinging that occurs abroad can be brought to an end, allowing the Bangladeshi passport to regain its high standing.

Why such infighting among brothers on foreign soil? Our squabbles make the motherland's noble spirit weep. A passport is not merely a scrap of paper; it represents our very existence and our identity with a specific map. Cast aside the mudslinging and join hands in unity; only then will the dark night overshadowing our destiny lift. Let us stand tall like heroes on the global stage, and let the green flag smile in distant lands, radiating an aura of goodwill.

In conclusion, I would like to state that the mudslinging among expatriates abroad not only tarnishes our individual reputations but also wounds the self-respect of the entire nation. To enhance the international standing of the Bangladeshi passport, such divisions and infighting among expatriates must cease immediately. We must remember that each of us acts as an ambassador for Bangladesh while abroad. Therefore, let us cast aside all pettiness, uphold the nation's glory, and establish the dignity of our passport on the global stage.

The writer is an Essayist, Literary Writer, President of the international anti-drug organization ‘Freedom International Anti-Alcohol’