Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently staying in India after fleeing the country in August 2024, has applied for a new passport and national identity card (NID), signalling a possible step towards her return to Bangladesh.
Her London-based legal firm, Matrix Chambers, has written to Bangladesh's Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, Preeti Rahman, requesting the issuance of a new Bangladeshi passport and NID on her behalf.
A copy of the letter, dated November 9, was obtained by bdnews24.com.
In the letter, lawyer Steven Powles identified himself as legal counsel to Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
The letter said Hasina's existing Bangladeshi passport and NID had reportedly been cancelled by the interim government and other authorities. Citing her Bangladeshi citizenship and relevant obligations under domestic law and international human rights conventions, the lawyer requested the issuance of new documents.
"We would be grateful if the High Commission could review this matter and advise us of the necessary formalities and documentation required to process these applications promptly," the letter said.
Hasina had earlier indicated plans to return to Bangladesh in December. In an interview with Reuters, she said she wanted to return to face the court.
According to Reuters, the latest move is her clearest indication so far of an intention to return to Bangladesh since her government was ousted following the mass uprising in August 2024.
This is also the first reported formal communication of this nature from Hasina since she left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.
A diplomatic source in New Delhi told Prothom Alo that the Bangladesh High Commission received the email on Monday morning and immediately informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka to seek further instructions.
Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam dismissed the development as a political stunt.
Responding to journalists' questions, he said the statements were baseless and part of political theatrics, adding, "She will not come back."
In November last year, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity over her alleged role in ordering a deadly crackdown on protesters during the 2024 student-led uprising. She has denied the allegations while staying in India.
The activities of the Awami League, Hasina's party, remain banned in Bangladesh. Many senior party leaders are either in India, in hiding in other countries or in prison.
Reuters reported, citing Awami League leaders, that the date of Hasina's return would depend on the completion of the necessary formalities.
