Sheikh Hasina is seeking a new passport before her return to Bangladesh in December as the government has doubled the issuance of | Today’s news
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly applied for a new passport and identity card ahead of her previously announced return to her home country in December. Hasina, who has been living in self-imposed exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, requested the new documents on Monday, according to Reuters.
“In view of the reported revocation of her existing Bangladeshi passport and identity card (NID) by the interim government and other authorities, I respectfully request you to take the necessary steps to issue a new Bangladeshi passport and identity card to our client,” Hasina’s lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers, Preeti Rahman, Acting High Commissioner in Banghiemlade, wrote to Reuters.
The letter requested that the claims be dealt with “expeditiously” based on her Bangladeshi nationality and in accordance with “obligations under international human rights instruments”.
Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh
In July, Hasina, who faces the death penalty, intended to return to the country she has ruled for nearly two decades. While no date has been formally set, Hasina’s aides told Reuters on Monday that it would be announced once various formalities are completed.
Earlier on Sunday, Bangladesh Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman reiterated his country’s demand that “convicted criminal” Hasina be extradited, adding that the extradition request is already in Delhi.
“To me, she is a criminal. A criminal convicted by our tribunal. To us, this is her identity,” he said, according to a report on bdnews24.
Asked about bringing Hasina back to Bangladesh, the law minister said the government would act in accordance with the law and not be guided by emotions.
“Though the Law Ministry is not directly involved in the matter, the Home Ministry is concerned as it relates to the extradition treaty with India. The matter will be dealt with in accordance with the law and we will leave no room for emotion. We have asked for her repatriation as per the treaty and due process,” Asaduzzaman said, according to state news agency BSS.
Sheikh Hasina faces the death penalty
In November 2025, the International Criminal Court convicted her of crimes against humanity. The charges relate to the uprising in July and August 2024. The court sentenced her to death.
Her party, the Awami League, was the largest in the country before it was banned after her fall. Many of her party colleagues have either been jailed or are in self-imposed exile in India or elsewhere.
