Politics · Other · 7 hrs ago
Sheikh Hasina seeks new documents ahead of planned return to Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina has asked Bangladesh for a new passport and identity card as she prepares to return from India.
The former prime minister was forced from power by student-led protests in August 2024 and has been living in exile there.
Her aides say she intends to return in December, and that the date will be announced after the paperwork is completed.
Bangladesh is seeking her extradition from India, but India has declined to hand her over.
A tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in 2025 over the crackdown on protesters, which she denies ordering; she rejects the verdict and the trial's legitimacy.
Her return could reignite political and legal tensions as her Awami League party remains banned and Bangladesh is dealing with the upheaval's aftermath.
The Bangladesh government had not commented on her latest request, and it is unclear whether the documents will be issued.
Sheikh Hasina has requested a new Bangladeshi passport and national identity card as she prepares for a planned return from India in December.
Her lawyers asked Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi to issue the documents, which they said had been revoked.
Hasina has said she intends to return and surrender before a court; her aides said the date would be announced after formalities are completed.
Bangladesh has sought her extradition from India, while India has declined to hand her over.
A tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia in 2025 over her role in a crackdown; she denies wrongdoing and rejects the verdict.
- Who
- Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, has requested new identity documents.
- What
- She seeks a new passport and national identity card to facilitate her return to Bangladesh.
- When
- The request was made on November 9, 2026. She has said she intends to return in December.
- Where
- The request was sent to Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi; Hasina is in India.
- Why
- She says she plans to return to Bangladesh. Her lawyers cited the reported revocation of her existing documents and her Bangladeshi nationality.
Bangladesh government
Sheikh Hasina
Extradition and return
Bangladesh government
Bangladesh has sought Hasina’s extradition from India.
Sheikh Hasina
Hasina has said she intends to return to Bangladesh and surrender before a court.
Legal status
Bangladesh government
A tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for ordering a crackdown.
Sheikh Hasina
Hasina denies wrongdoing, rejects the verdict and challenges the legitimacy of the trial.
Student-led protests forced Hasina from power, and Bangladesh’s military sent her to India.
A special tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over her role in the crackdown.
Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh wanted Hasina handed over under its extradition treaty with India.
Hasina requested a new passport and national identity card to facilitate her planned return.
- Requested documents
- Bangladeshi passport and national identity card
- Request date
- November 9, 2026
- Return plan
- Hasina has said she intends to return in December
- Letter destination
- Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi
- Tribunal sentence
- Death sentence in absentia in 2025
- UN estimate of deaths
- Nearly 1,400 people killed in the unrest
7 sources
Bangladesh challenges ousted PM Hasina over return pledge
Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina seeks passport in sign of Bangladesh return plan
Bangladesh’s ousted leader Sheikh Hasina appeals for a new passport to return from exile
Ex-Bangladesh leader Hasina applies for passport in signal she’s ready for homecoming
Sheikh Hasina seeks new passport, identity card to facilitate return to Bangladesh
Hasina asks for a Bangladeshi passport to return from exile
What people are saying
This is a significant step toward her homecoming. Having had her documents revoked by the previous regime, Her Excellency looks forward to reclaiming her fundamental rights as a Bangladeshi citizen and receiving the necessary documents
We want Hasina to be handed over. She will be handed over. She is a terrorist. She is a fugitive. There is an active extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India
If death is my destiny, I would rather die on the soil of my own country, among my own people,