The former prime minister, who is in India, intends to return to Dhaka to surrender before a court, according to reports.
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport and national identity card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh from India, according to Al Jazeera and Odisha Bytes. Hasina, who has been in India since fleeing in August 2024, seeks these documents because her existing ones were revoked by authorities.
Hasina's lawyers at London-based Matrix Chambers wrote to the acting high commissioner at the Bangladesh embassy in Delhi, Preeti Rahman, requesting the documents be processed expeditiously. The lawyers cited her Bangladeshi nationality and international human rights obligations in the letter. Hasina told Reuters she plans to return to surrender before a court, with aides stating a date will be announced once formalities are complete.
The 79-year-old leader was sentenced to death in absentia last year by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to a 2024 crackdown on student protests, a charge she denies. Bangladeshi prosecutor Md Aminul Islam told reporters that she will face execution if she returns home.
The request has been rejected by Dhaka. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir told Al Jazeera that Bangladesh does not give passports to terrorists and will work under current extradition arrangements with India to have her handed over.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera expressed doubt regarding her return. Zillur Rahman, president of the Centre for Governance Studies, suggested the request might be to keep Awami League leaders and activists politically engaged. Jon F Danilowicz, a retired US diplomat, described the move as a bluff to rally supporters.
