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The British High Commi-ssion in Dhaka will start production of biometric passports from April 16, according to a high commission announcement, report agencies.
Biometrics is an automated process that verifies an individual's identity based on their physical characteristics.
The aim of introducing this new format is to continue to process straightforward applications within ten working days once the correct documentation and fee are received.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and UK Passport Service (UKPS) have been working closely on the development of biometric passports, said the announcement.
The Biometric British passports will have a new design with additional security features, including a chip with the holder's facial biometric.
The British High Commission will not be producing the current digital passports after April 16. The cut-off date for receiving applications for current format passport will be March 30.
The High Commission advised the applicants to apply well in advance of any planned date of travel as the production process will be slightly longer and delays may occur, especially at busier times of the year.
As the process involves facial biometrics, the standard of photographs attached to the application is critical. If the photographs do not meet the required standard, the application will be returned with a request to provide photographs that do meet the standard.
Current passports will remain valid until the expiry date and there is no need to exchange it for a biometric passport.
The new biometric passports will cost more to cover the additional security features.
A child's passport will cost 59 pounds sterling equivalent to Tk 7400 while an adult's passport will cost 91 pounds sterling equivalent to Tk 11400 from April 1, 2006.
Full information about biometric passports is available on the website: www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/bangladesh
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