Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman
Sheikh Hasina has not yet applied for passport
photo: Zahed Ur Rahman
Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Sheikh Hasina has not yet submitted any application for a new passport, although a legal firm has sent a letter regarding arrangements for one for the former prime minister, who is staying in India after being sentenced to death.
He made the remarks at his regular press briefing at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, a day after Reuters reported that Sheikh Hasina had applied for a passport.
Zahed Ur Rahman said, “Our High Commission received a letter by email from a law firm regarding issuing a passport to her. But she has not made any application yet.”
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power during the July uprising and left Bangladesh for India on August 5, 2024, where she has since been staying. In several recent interviews, she announced her intention to return to Bangladesh.
As prime minister, Sheikh Hasina held a red passport. After she moved to India, the interim government revoked that passport.
Reuters reported on Monday that Sheikh Hasina had applied for a passport and national identity card at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. The application was submitted through a London based legal consultancy firm.
Asked about the government’s position following Sheikh Hasina’s request for a passport, Adviser Zahed said, “A statement has already been made from a much higher level than mine. I think that makes the position clear.”
Regarding Sheikh Hasina’s passport application, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told journalists on Monday that the High Commission in New Delhi had received a letter. He said the Foreign Ministry and the Law Ministry were working to verify its authenticity and determine the legal course of action.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said the government wanted to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India under the extradition treaty as a convicted criminal rather than issue her a passport.
Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Although several diplomatic letters have been sent to New Delhi seeking her return, the Indian government has yet to respond.
Adviser Zahed said, “We want to bring her back. The government believes that we will bring back a convicted accused.
“India has said that there are legal issues involved. If there are legal matters, she can go to court there, and the court will decide.”
Zahed Ur Rahman also said there was no scope for holding any program in the name of the Awami League in Bangladesh because the party’s activities had been banned.
He said, “The Awami League’s programs are banned. The party’s activities are prohibited. No individual affiliated with the Awami League can hold meetings or rallies.”
