Hasina seeks new passport to return: Reuters

Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport and National Identity card (NID) to return to Bangladesh from self-imposed exile in India. 

The request was issued on Monday (November 9), according to a letter witnessed by Reuters. This is the first realistic attempt Hasina has commenced since her fleeing in 2024. 

Sheikh Hasina told Reuters that she plans to surrender before court upon returning. Her aide confirmed that final date would be announced once formalities are complete. 

Bangladesh's war-crimes court sentenced her to death in November last year in her absence for ordering a deadly crackdown on the student-led uprising, though she has denied the charges from exile.

"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," Hasina's lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers wrote to Preeti Rahman, acting high commissioner at Bangladesh's embassy in Delhi.

The letter asked for the applications to be processed "expeditiously" on the basis of her Bangladeshi nationality and in accordance with "obligations arising under international human rights instruments".

Spokespeople for Prime ⁠Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

However, Reuters reported that Hasina returning to Bangladesh could improve ties with India, which deteriorated sharply after New Delhi gave her refuge.

-SA