Bangladesh Foreign Ministry reviews Sheikh Hasina's passport request

Bangladesh's High Commission in London received a letter from Matrix Chambers on behalf of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking a new passport, a source familiar with the matter said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is reviewing the request and will decide after internal consultation.

Hasina, who left Bangladesh in August 2024, held a press conference on August 5 at the Foreign Correspondents Club, stating her intention to return in December. Awami League officials based in India have reiterated that she intends to act on that plan and may use a land crossing such as Benapole-Petrapole.

Since her departure, Hasina has been residing in New Delhi. The International Crimes Tribunal, established in November 2025, issued a death sentence against her, a verdict that was later criticized for being delivered without her legal representation.

In a written interview with The Hindu, Hasina said, "> When police are working in the field, how can they contact the Prime Minister for every action? Police operate under standard operating procedures. They are trained to handle emergencies, crowd control and violent situations. When police personnel were attacked and killed, and police stations were set on fire, they responded according to the situation. How could I personally order officers in those circumstances? The police handle such situations under their SOP."