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Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally requested a new passport and national identity card (NID), taking a significant step towards her planned return to Bangladesh in December.
According to a letter seen by Reuters on Monday, Hasina’s lawyers approached Bangladesh’s embassy in New Delhi, requesting the issuance of new travel and identity documents after her existing documents were reportedly revoked by the interim government.
The request represents her first known formal communication of this nature since she fled Bangladesh in 2024 following a deadly student-led uprising that ended her long rule.
Hasina Plans to Return and Face Court
Hasina has previously told Reuters that she intends to return to Bangladesh and surrender before a court.
Her aides said on Monday that the exact date of her return would be announced after the completion of necessary formalities.
Her lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers sent the letter to Preeti Rahman, acting high commissioner at Bangladesh’s embassy in Delhi.
They asked the authorities to process her applications promptly, citing her Bangladeshi nationality and international human rights obligations.
The Bangladeshi embassy in Delhi and representatives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Death Sentence Adds to Political Tensions
Hasina’s planned return could create fresh political and legal challenges for Bangladesh.
In November last year, the country’s war-crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations that she ordered a deadly crackdown on the student-led uprising. Hasina has denied the charges while living in exile in India.
Her Awami League party, which was once Bangladesh’s largest political force, has been banned following her removal from power. Several senior party figures have been arrested, while others have gone into exile in India and other countries.
Return Could Affect Bangladesh-India Relations
Sheikh Hasina ruled Bangladesh as prime minister for around 20 years across multiple terms and continues to enjoy support among sections of the population.
Her return could deepen political divisions as the current government attempts to restore stability after years of unrest.
However, it could also have implications for Bangladesh’s relationship with neighbouring India. Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi deteriorated significantly after India provided refuge to Hasina following her departure from power.
Her latest passport and identity card request has therefore added another important development to Bangladesh’s uncertain political landscape.
