Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina requests new passport for return
Ex-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested a new passport and identity card on Monday to facilitate her planned return from exile in India.
Formal request seen by Reuters
A letter viewed by Reuters shows Hasina asked for documents so she can come home. This is her first communication since fleeing the country in 2024 during a deadly uprising. Her aides stated the specific return date will be announced once formalities are completed.
Legal context and court orders
The war-crimes court in Bangladesh handed down a death sentence last November because she ordered the suppression of students. She denies these charges while living in self-imposed exile within India. Her lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers wrote to Preeti Rahman, the acting high commissioner in Delhi. The letter cited revocation of her existing National Identity Card by interim government authorities.
Political situation and party status
Hasina's Awami League party was the largest before it was banned following her fall from power. Many colleagues are now jailed or living in exile elsewhere around the world. Her lawyers asked for applications to be processed expeditiously based on her nationality. Officials representing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka offered no immediate reply to inquiries seeking comment.
2 outlets, different leads
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South China Morning Post
Ex-Bangladesh leader Hasina applies for passport in signal she’s ready for homecoming
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Business Recorder
Hasina seeks new passport in clearest sign of Bangladesh return
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.