NEW DELHI : Ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has applied for a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID) through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, in what could mark a significant step towards her proposed return to the country.
In a letter addressed to Preeti Rahman, acting high commissioner of Bangladesh in New Delhi, Hasina’s lawyers from London-based Matrix Chambers requested the issuance of fresh travel and identity documents for their client.
The lawyers said Hasina’s existing Bangladeshi passport and NID had reportedly been revoked by the interim government and relevant authorities. They urged the High Commission to take necessary steps to process the applications promptly, citing her Bangladeshi nationality and the country’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
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The application marks Hasina’s first known formal communication of this nature with Bangladeshi diplomatic authorities since she went to India in August 2024 following the mass uprising that ended her 15 consecutive years in power.
Possible Return in December
Hasina has previously indicated that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender before a court. Her aides have said the date of her return would be announced once the necessary formalities are completed.
The latest move has added a new dimension to the political and diplomatic developments surrounding her possible return.
However, it remains unclear whether the Bangladesh High Commission will process or approve the applications. Neither the acting high commissioner nor the relevant authorities in Dhaka have publicly clarified their position on the matter.
Dhaka Insists on Extradition
The development comes amid continuing diplomatic tensions over Hasina’s presence in India.
Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her return under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. Dhaka maintains that she should be handed over through established legal and diplomatic channels rather than being issued fresh travel documents.
On November 5, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir dismissed suggestions that Hasina would require a passport to return to Bangladesh, arguing that the extradition mechanism should be used instead.
He reiterated the government’s position that India should hand her over under the bilateral extradition arrangement.
Death Sentence and Legal Challenges
Hasina faces serious legal challenges in Bangladesh. In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia after convicting her of crimes against humanity in connection with the crackdown during the July-August 2024 uprising.
Hasina has denied the allegations and rejected the proceedings against her.
Her continued presence in India since August 2024 has also emerged as a major source of tension in relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The latest passport and NID applications could further complicate the diplomatic situation, particularly as Bangladesh continues to press India for her extradition.
While her proposed return could trigger significant political and legal developments in Bangladesh, the next steps will depend on the response of the country’s diplomatic authorities and the broader legal process.
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