Bangladesh challenges ousted PM Hasina over return pledge

Bangladesh has questioned ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's intention to return to the country, despite her vow to do so in December. Hasina, who was sentenced to death in 2024 for crimes against humanity over her crackdown on protesters, has previously stated that she is aware of the potential consequences of her actions. Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that authorities are reviewing Hasina's application for a new passport, stating that she is a convicted offender who has taken refuge abroad.

The legality of the passport application, including due process and the right to apply for a passport, is currently under review. India has been requested to extradite Hasina through proper legal channels. Hasina's British lawyers have requested the renewal of her passport after its reported revocation, but her lawyers have not specified a time or place for her potential return.

The Chief Prosecutor of the court that sentenced Hasina dismissed the passport application as a mere political stunt. Bangladesh's Junior Foreign Minister Humaiun Kobir urged Hasina to surrender herself for justice and acknowledged her criminal record, but questioned her desire to return. Hasina fled to India in 2024 following mass protests she attempted to quash and has not been seen in public since.

Her presence in India has strained relations between Bangladesh and India, with the latter country currently reviewing the extradition request.