Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported plan to return to the country has triggered a fresh political and diplomatic debate after Bangladesh rejected her request for a new passport and National Identity Card (NID).
Hasina, who has been staying in India since leaving office in August 2024, has sought fresh travel and identity documents through her legal representatives. Lawyers from London-based Matrix Chambers reportedly sent a letter to Bangladesh’s acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, Preeti Rahman, requesting the issuance of new documents.
The letter reportedly stated that Hasina’s previous passport and NID had been cancelled by the relevant authorities in Bangladesh. Her lawyers argued that she remains a Bangladeshi citizen and requested that her application be considered.
However, the Bangladesh government has taken a firm position against the request. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir described Hasina as a “fugitive criminal” and “terrorist” and said Bangladesh would not issue a passport to her. He also indicated that the government wants her brought back through the extradition arrangement between India and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the Awami League has indicated that Hasina intends to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender before a court. However, no final date for her return or details of the necessary arrangements have been confirmed.
Hasina has been living in India since August 2024, when she left Bangladesh following the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of her government.
In November 2025, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced her to death in absentia in connection with allegations relating to the crackdown on protesters during the 2024 uprising. Hasina has denied the allegations and challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings.
The rejection of her passport request, combined with Dhaka’s demand for extradition, has raised fresh questions over her possible return and the future course of India-Bangladesh relations.
