Ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina applies for new passport to plan return

UPDATE - follow-up to Bangladesh's ousted leader Sheikh Hasina appeals for a new passport to return from exile: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport and national identity card to facilitate her return from exile. Her counsel sent an emailed letter to Bangladesh's top diplomat in London urging action on the documents. Abu Obaidha Arin, an aide to Ms. Hasina, stated that she looks forward to reclaiming her fundamental rights as a Bangladeshi citizen after her documents were revoked by the previous regime. Ms. Hasina told The Associated Press in an interview that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December at any cost to surrender before a court and fight for democracy, rule of law, and voting rights.

Government Position and Legal Status

The Bangladesh government has been seeking her extradition from India under an active extradition treaty. Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir told reporters in Dhaka that Bangladesh wants her handed over and called her a terrorist and a fugitive. India has declined to hand her over. Ms. Hasina was sent to India by the military after student-led protests forced her from power on August 5, 2024. A special war-crimes tribunal in 2025 sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity for ordering a crackdown that left hundreds dead and thousands injured, while the United Nations has stated nearly 1,400 people were killed. Ms. Hasina denies any wrongdoing and has rejected the verdict and trial legitimacy.

Context

Following her ouster, an interim government led Bangladesh until an election in February that barred her Awami League party, bringing Tarique Rahman to power in a landslide. Extradition between nations depends on specific bilateral treaties and political considerations, making cross-border legal returns complex when political asylum is involved.