Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought fresh travel and identity documents through her legal representatives in New Delhi, while Dhaka maintains that India must extradite her under the bilateral treaty as she prepares for a proposed return in December.
At A Glance
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Sheikh Hasina has approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi for a fresh passport and National Identity Card ahead of her planned December return.
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The Awami League says her application is based on Bangladeshi citizenship and the fundamental right to return to one’s homeland.
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Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir insists that India should hand over Hasina under the existing extradition treaty instead of issuing fresh travel documents.
Hasina has formally approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi for a new passport and National Identity Card (NID). Her party announced the development on Monday, describing the application as an important step towards facilitating her return after leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.
However, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has rejected the need for fresh travel documents. He maintains that Dhaka wants India to hand over the former Prime Minister under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries.
The contrasting positions have brought fresh attention to the arrangements surrounding Hasina’s proposed return and the legal process that Bangladesh wants to pursue.
Sheikh Hasina Seeks Fresh Passport & NID
According to the Awami League, Hasina has approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi through her legal representatives from London-based Matrix Chambers.
Her lawyers have requested the diplomatic mission to expedite the issuance of a fresh Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card.
The application reportedly cites Hasina’s Bangladeshi citizenship and the country’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
The request follows reports that the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration had revoked her existing passport and identity documents.
The Awami League described the application as a significant development towards fulfilling Hasina’s stated intention to return to Bangladesh in December.
The former Prime Minister has reiterated that she intends to go back and face the legal proceedings against her.
In its statement, the party emphasised that Hasina’s family background, national identity and political journey remain closely connected to Bangladesh.
“Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, has her roots, identity and political journey deeply intertwined with Bangladesh. Her homeland is the place where she belongs. Her wish to return is linked to her national identity and the fundamental right of every individual to return to their own country,” the Awami League stated.
The party further asserted that no force could permanently prevent her from returning to her homeland and reconnecting with her people.
Bangladesh Government Insists on Extradition, Rejects Passport Route
While the Awami League has highlighted the need for fresh travel documents, the Bangladesh government has taken a different position.
Last week, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Dhaka wanted India to hand over Hasina under the existing extradition treaty.
He dismissed suggestions that she would require a new passport or other travel documents to return to Bangladesh.
The Daily Star quoted the minister as saying that Bangladesh wanted Hasina to be handed over and expected the extradition process to proceed under the bilateral agreement.
“We want Hasina to be handed over. She will be handed over. She is a terrorist. She is a fugitive. There is an active extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India,” Kobir said, according to the newspaper.
The minister also questioned the need to issue Hasina a fresh passport when the government was seeking her return through extradition.
“Is she coming to visit her in-laws’ home in Rangpur that we need to give her a passport?….. This is a matter of handover, and a judicial process is in place,” he said.
His remarks underline Dhaka’s preference for an extradition-based return rather than a process involving the issuance of fresh Bangladeshi travel documents.
Hasina Says She Will Return Despite Risk of Arrest or Death
Meanwhile, Hasina has repeatedly maintained that she will return to Bangladesh despite the risks surrounding her proposed homecoming.
Earlier in October, she addressed a Washington-based press conference virtually and declared that the possibility of arrest, torture or even death would not discourage her.
She said she could not remain outside the country while her supporters and ordinary Bangladeshis continued to suffer.
The former Prime Minister maintained that the dangers associated with her return would not change her decision.
“How risky it is, I don’t care. I have to go back,” she said.
Her latest passport application follows these public assurances and signals her intention to pursue the necessary documentation for her proposed December return.
Hasina Thanks India for Providing Shelter Since August 2024
Hasina left Bangladesh following the collapse of her government in August 2024. She has been staying in India since her removal from power.
During her October virtual press conference, she expressed gratitude to the Indian government and its people for providing her refuge during the political upheaval.
She acknowledged the support extended by the Indian authorities and people across political parties.
“Well, thanks to Indian government, and the people, all party, they received me just like 1975,” she said.
Hasina recalled 1975, when she and her sister survived the assassination of several members of their family.
The latest development has brought the question of her return into sharper focus. While the Awami League is pursuing fresh passport and identity documents through Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi, Dhaka continues to demand her extradition from India under the existing bilateral treaty.
The two positions reflect different approaches to facilitating Hasina’s return, with the proposed December timeline adding further significance to the ongoing developments. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)