Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the government is examining the authenticity and legal basis of applications reportedly submitted by ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina for a new passport and national identity card (NID).
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, Ahmed said he had heard reports that the fugitive convict had applied for the documents, reportedly to facilitate her return to Bangladesh, but had not yet been able to independently verify the claims. He noted that the ministries of foreign affairs and law are reviewing the matter.
The minister said the government would scrutinise all relevant legal provisions—including whether the applications were properly submitted and whether Hasina is entitled to apply—before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Law takes any further steps.
Ahmed also confirmed that the government has formally written to India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing the extradition treaty between the two countries, seeking Hasina’s return so she can be brought back in accordance with the law.
A Reuters report earlier on Monday said Hasina had sought a new passport and NID to return to Bangladesh, citing a letter indicating that applications were submitted at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. This would be the first such request since she fled to India on 5 August 2024 amid the student-public uprising that toppled her government.
Separately, the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi confirmed receiving an email from Matrix Chambers, a UK-based law firm, requesting a new passport and NID for Hasina.
Diplomatic sources said the email stated the firm was acting on her behalf and noted that her existing Bangladeshi passport and NID had reportedly been cancelled by the interim government.
However, sources added that the email did not include any authorisation letter or proof of representation from Hasina herself. The High Commission immediately informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir is expected to brief the media on the matter.
Asked about recent crude bomb explosions, Ahmed said “fallen forces” occasionally attack buses and establishments in attempts to create instability, adding that police are taking legal action and thwarting such efforts.