Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has found some ways to ease longstanding complaints and difficulties faced by people in obtaining passports, including a plan to allow registered individuals to assist applicants with passport-related work.

“Complaints regarding passports in Bangladesh are longstanding. Most people do not know how to apply, and many suffer because of certain officials at passport offices,” the minister said.

He explained that under the new system, registered individuals -- similar to deed writers -- will be allowed to handle passport applications and related services, charging a service fee.

The system will first be introduced in Dhaka and other divisional cities.

“This will create employment and reduce public suffering,” he added.

After taking charge of the home ministry, Salahuddin today held a meeting with the heads of all directorates under the ministry and law enforcement agencies to discuss reforms.