DHAKA: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally requested a new passport and national identity card (NID) from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, in what is being seen as the clearest indication yet of her intention to return to the country in December.
According to reports, Hasina’s London-based legal representatives submitted a letter on Monday to the acting high commissioner, Preeti Rahman, seeking the issuance of fresh travel and identity documents. Her existing documents were reportedly revoked following her departure from Bangladesh in August 2024.
Hasina, who fled to India after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule, has repeatedly expressed her intention to return home and face legal proceedings. Her aides have indicated that the exact date of her return will be announced once the necessary formalities are completed.
However, the request has faced strong opposition from the Bangladeshi government. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir rejected the passport request, describing Hasina as a fugitive and saying Dhaka wants India to hand her over under the existing extradition treaty.
The former prime minister was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal over her alleged role in the deadly crackdown on student protesters in 2024. Hasina has denied the allegations and challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings.
Her potential return could trigger fresh political and legal tensions in Bangladesh, where her Awami League party has been banned and several of its senior leaders have been jailed or forced into exile.
The development also comes amid strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which deteriorated after New Delhi provided refuge to Hasina following her removal from power.
With Hasina pushing ahead with her return plans and Dhaka demanding her extradition, the coming weeks could prove crucial for Bangladesh’s political future and its relations with neighbouring India.
