Sheikh Hasina Applies to Bangladeshi Authorities for New Passport and National Identity Card

Dhaka: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally approached Bangladeshi authorities for the issuance of a new passport and national identity card, marking a significant step towards ending her exile in India and potentially returning to her home country. Her move is being viewed as part of possible efforts to return to Bangladesh in December this year, a development that could further complicate the country's political and legal situation. According to a report by a foreign news website, this is the first time Sheikh Hasina has formally contacted Bangladesh's new government since losing power and leaving the country following mass public protests in 2024. Lawyers from London-based legal firm Matrix Chambers have sent a letter to Priti Rahman, Acting High Commissioner at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. The letter requests the issuance of new travel and national identity documents following reports that Sheikh Hasina's previous passport and national identity card had been cancelled.

The letter urges Bangladeshi authorities to process her applications promptly, taking into account her citizenship and legal rights under international human rights conventions. Her lawyers argue that, as a Bangladeshi citizen, she is legally entitled to obtain the relevant documents. Meanwhile, neither Priti Rahman, the Bangladesh High Commission's representative in New Delhi, nor spokespersons for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka have issued an official statement on the matter so far. The possible attempt by Sheikh Hasina to return comes at a time when her party, the Awami League, has been banned following the end of its rule. Several former party leaders and ministers are currently in prison facing various cases, while a number of prominent figures have left the country and are living in India and other countries.

It is worth noting that Sheikh Hasina served as Bangladesh's prime minister for a total of approximately 20 years across different periods. She was forced to step down following widespread public protests in 2024, after which she sought refuge in India. The former prime minister's possible return could deepen the existing political divisions within Bangladesh and may also have implications for the region's diplomatic landscape. Meanwhile, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka became strained after India granted refuge to Sheikh Hasina. In this context, the issue of her return could also create new possibilities for improving relations between the two countries. For Bangladesh's current government, the situation could pose a major political and legal challenge, as efforts to restore stability continue following a prolonged political crisis. Sheikh Hasina's return could trigger a new phase of political confrontation within the country.