Bangladesh has ranked 97th in the latest Henley Passport Index, climbing three places from a year ago but remaining among the world's lowest-ranked passports for international travel, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 35 destinations.

The latest edition of the global ranking, released yesterday by London-based global consultancy Henley & Partners, places Bangladesh alongside North Korea. Only Nepal, Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan rank below it.

The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance, including countries that offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival.

The 2026 index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Timatic database.

Within South Asia, the Maldives has the region's strongest passport, ranking 52nd with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 93 destinations. India is placed 81st with access to 55 destinations, while Sri Lanka ranks 94th with 39.

Bangladesh follows in 97th place with access to 35 destinations, ahead of Nepal in 98th and Pakistan in 101st. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of both the regional and global rankings, with its passport granting access to just 22 destinations without a prior visa.

Singapore retained its position as the world's most powerful passport, allowing its citizens to travel to 192 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.

Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates shared second place with access to 188 destinations, while Sweden ranked third with 187.

A group of 11 European countries -- including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands -- shared fourth place, each providing access to 186 destinations.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the index, Henley & Partners said the average passport now provides visa-free access to 108 destinations worldwide, compared with 58 when the ranking was first published in 2006.

The report said the expansion reflects the steady growth of global mobility over the past two decades, even as international travel continues to be shaped by geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts.

The report also highlighted a widening gap between the world's strongest and weakest passports. While Singaporean passport holders can travel to 192 destinations without securing a visa beforehand, Afghan citizens can access only 22, creating a gap of 170 destinations.