Sheikh Hasina seeks fresh passport, identity card ahead of planned return to Bangladesh

According to a letter sent on Monday by her legal representatives to Preeti Rahman, acting high commissioner at the Bangladesh embassy in New Delhi, Hasina's lawyers have requested the issuance of fresh identity and travel documents.

Reuters reported that the lawyers, from London-based Matrix Chambers, approached the diplomatic mission after the interim government and other authorities reportedly cancelled Hasina's existing Bangladeshi passport and NID.

"In view of the reported revocation of her existing Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID) by the Interim Government and other authorities, I respectfully request that you take the necessary steps to issue a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card for our client," the lawyers wrote.

They also urged the authorities to process the applications "expeditiously", referring to Hasina's Bangladeshi nationality and the country's "obligations arising under international human rights instruments".

The request represents the clearest indication yet that the former prime minister is taking practical steps towards fulfilling her stated plan to return in December, more than two years after a deadly uprising forced her out of power.

Her possible return could reopen political and legal disputes at a time when Bangladesh is attempting to restore stability, and her Awami League party remains banned.

Hasina plans to return and face court proceedings

Hasina intends to return to Bangladesh and surrender before a court, according to her aides.

They said on Monday that the date of her return would be announced after the completion of the necessary formalities.

In an interview with the Associated Press last week, the former prime minister spoke about her desire to return to her homeland, despite the legal challenges awaiting her.

“If death is my destiny, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people,” Hasina said.

Her latest move to obtain fresh travel and identity documents comes amid continued uncertainty over whether she will be able to return and what legal action she may face upon arrival.

Death sentence and legal proceedings

In November 2025, Bangladesh's war-crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over her alleged role in ordering a crackdown on the student-led uprising that ended her 15-year uninterrupted tenure in power.

Hasina has denied the allegations, rejected the verdict and questioned the legitimacy of the proceedings.

The crackdown resulted in hundreds of deaths and left thousands of people injured.

United Nations figures cited by the Associated Press put the death toll during the unrest at nearly 1,400.

Bangladesh has repeatedly asked India to extradite the former prime minister.

New Delhi has said it is examining the request through established legal channels.

The extradition issue has remained a major point of contention between the two neighbouring countries since Hasina fled Bangladesh and took refuge in India.

Awami League remains banned

Hasina's possible return also carries significant political implications for Bangladesh, where the Awami League remains banned following her removal from office.

The party was the country's largest political organisation before the political upheaval.

Since then, several of its leaders and members have been jailed, while others have left Bangladesh and gone into self-imposed exile in India and other countries.

Hasina served as prime minister for a total of 20 years across multiple terms and continues to command support among sections of the population.

Her return could intensify political divisions as Bangladesh continues to grapple with the consequences of the uprising and the legal proceedings against members of her former government.

Return could further strain India-Bangladesh ties

The former prime minister's future also has implications for relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, which have deteriorated sharply since India provided her refuge.

Bangladesh's repeated requests for her extradition have added to the diplomatic strain, while India's decision to examine the matter through legal channels has kept the issue unresolved.

Any move by Hasina to return, particularly in the face of the death sentence handed down in absentia, is likely to place renewed focus on the legal and diplomatic questions surrounding her departure from Bangladesh and her stay in India.