Sheikh Hasina seeks new passport in clearest sign of plans to return to Bangladesh

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport and identity card, signaling her intention to return from self-imposed exile in India, according to a letter obtained by Reuters. This marks her first public communication since fleeing Bangladesh in 2024. The letter, seen by Reuters, is a clear indication of her plan to return in December, over two years after a deadly uprising forced her to step down.

Hasina has informed Reuters that she intends to surrender before a court upon her return, though the exact date has yet to be announced once formalities are completed. Bangladesh's war-crimes court sentenced her to death in her absence for ordering a violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2023, a charge Hasina denies from her current location.

In a letter addressed to Preeti Rahman, the acting high commissioner at Bangladesh's embassy in Delhi, Hasina's lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers requested the issuance of a new Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID) for her, emphasizing the need to expedite the process. Rahman and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's spokespersons have not yet commented on the matter.

Hasina's Awami League party was the dominant political force in Bangladesh before her removal from power. Many of her party members have either been jailed or are currently residing in self-imposed exile in India or other countries. Despite being out of office for more than two years, Hasina continues to maintain support among certain segments of the population, and a return to Bangladesh could intensify political tensions as the current government strives to restore stability following a period of significant upheaval.

On the other hand, her return may also help improve strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which have deteriorated significantly since India granted her asylum.