Dhaka, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has formally sought a fresh Bangladeshi passport and National Identity Card (NID), with her party, the Awami League, describing the move as an important step towards her planned return to the country in December.
According to the party, Hasina has approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi through her legal representatives at London-based Matrix Chambers, requesting that the documents be issued without delay.
The application reportedly cites her Bangladeshi nationality and the country’s obligations under international human rights instruments. The development comes amid reports that the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration had revoked her existing travel and identity documents.
The Awami League said Hasina remained determined to return to Bangladesh and face the legal proceedings against her. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh following the collapse of her government in August 2024.
In a statement, the party emphasised her political and personal roots in Bangladesh, describing the right to return to one’s homeland as a fundamental right.
However, the passport request comes amid a public disagreement between Dhaka and Hasina’s party over the process of her return.
Last week, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the government wanted India to hand over Hasina under the existing extradition treaty, arguing that the matter involved a judicial process rather than the issuance of travel documents.
Calling Hasina a fugitive, Kobir rejected suggestions that she would need a passport to return, according to remarks reported by Bangladeshi media.
Earlier in October, Hasina told a virtual press conference in Washington that she was determined to return despite the possibility of arrest or threats to her safety.
She also expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for providing her refuge after her departure from Bangladesh in August 2024.
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