Hasina seeks new passport, NID to return
File photo: PID
Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina submitted a request on Monday for a new passport and National Identity Card (NID) to facilitate her return from self-imposed exile in India, according to a legal letter Reuters reviewed.
It is her first formal communication since fleeing the country in 2024.
The formal application marks Hasina’s step toward carrying out her plan to return to Bangladesh in December, coming more than two years after July uprising ended her extended rule and reigniting potential political and legal friction in a nation where authorities have since banned the activities of her party Awami League.
Hasina previously informed Reuters that she intends to surrender before a court upon her return, while her aides confirmed on Monday that officials will announce the specific date as soon as they complete necessary procedural formalities.
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death in absentia in November 2025 for ordering a lethal crackdown during the student-led revolt, although she continues to deny the allegations from exile.
Her legal defense team at London-based Matrix Chambers sent a letter to Preeti Rahman, the acting high commissioner at Bangladesh’s embassy in Delhi, saying, “In view of the reported revocation of her existing Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID) by the Interim Government and other authorities, I respectfully request that you take the necessary steps to issue a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card for our client.”
The letter urged officials to handle the applications “expeditiously” on the basis of her Bangladeshi citizenship and in compliance with “obligations arising under international human rights instruments”.
On 5 November, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was asked whether Sheikh Hasina would be issued a passport or a travel pass if she wished to return to the country voluntarily.
In response, he said, “We can in no way view this fugitive terrorist, who fled after killing thousands of people, as an ordinary commercial traveler.”
The BNP government is speaking of demanding the return of Hasina as a convicted convict under the extradition treaty.
Humaiun added, “We want her handover. According to the extradition treaty that exists between the Bangladeshi and Indian governments, this criminal must be handed over.”
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said on Sunday they have requested New Delhi to return Hasina under Bangladesh’s extradition treaty with India. If they hand her over, Hasina will be brought back to the country.
