World News
Ousted Sheikh Hasina applies for new passport ahead of promised December return
Bangladesh is examining the legal basis for the request, as New Delhi declines to hand her over.
The short version
- Ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport and identity card to facilitate her return from exile in India.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- Hasina has promised to return to Bangladesh in December and told Reuters she intends to surrender before a court there.[Al Jazeera]
- Bangladesh's officials are examining whether the request has any legal basis and whether Hasina is entitled to apply for the documents.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia last November over a 2024 crackdown; Bangladesh wants her returned under a treaty, but New Delhi has declined.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- Hasina has requested a new passport and identity card to facilitate her return from self-imposed exile in India.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- Hasina has promised to return to Bangladesh in December.[Al Jazeera]
- Hasina told Reuters she intended to surrender before a court in Bangladesh.[Al Jazeera]
- Bangladesh's war crimes court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia last November over a deadly 2024 crackdown on student protests.[Al Jazeera]
- United Nations estimates cited in one report say as many as 1,400 people may have been killed in the violence.[Al Jazeera]
- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the foreign and law ministries are examining the passport request.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh wants Hasina returned under an extradition treaty with India.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- New Delhi has declined to hand Hasina over.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Hasina is legally entitled to apply for the documents remains under review by Bangladeshi ministries.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
- The December return is a stated intention and promise, not a confirmed travel or surrender date.[Al Jazeera]
- The 1,400 death toll is an estimate attributed to United Nations figures, stated as what may have occurred.[Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina seeks passport in sign of Bangladesh return planAl Jazeera
- Bangladesh's ousted leader Sheikh Hasina appeals for a new passport to return from exileABC News - International
- Bangladesh’s ousted leader Sheikh Hasina appeals for a new passport to return from exileAssociated Press
- What is Hasina’s game plan as she seeks a passport to return to Bangladesh?Al Jazeera
- Disgraced former leader Sheikh Hasina plans return to Bangladesh after two years in exileThe Guardian - World