Sheikh Hasina seeks new passport, identity card to return to Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has reportedly applied for a new passport and National Identity Card (NID) prior to her planned return to Bangladesh in December. Hasina, who has been residing in self-imposed exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, made the request on Monday, according to Reuters.

Her lawyers from London-based Matrix Chambers wrote to Preeti Rahman, the acting high commissioner at Bangladesh's embassy in Delhi, requesting the issuance of new Bangladeshi documents on an expedited basis, citing her Bangladeshi nationality and compliance with international human rights obligations.

In July, Hasina had expressed her intention to return to the country she governed for nearly two decades. Although no official date has been set, her aides indicated that it will be announced once all necessary formalities are completed. Earlier, on Sunday, Bangladesh's Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman reiterated the country's demand for the extradition of Hasina, who is facing a death sentence for alleged crimes against humanity.

Asaduzzaman stated that Hasina is considered a convicted criminal by Bangladesh, and the government's request for extradition is already with New Delhi.

The Law Minister emphasized that the government would act in accordance with the law and would not be swayed by emotions. The matter will be handled in accordance with the extradition treaty with India, leaving no room for personal sentiments. The International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity in November 2025, relating to the July and August 2024 uprising.

She received a death sentence, and her political party, the Awami League, was previously the largest in the country before it was disbanded following her downfall. Many of her party members have either been imprisoned or are in self-imposed exile in India or other nations.