Bangladeshi ministers pointed to the extradition treaty with India after a London legal organisation sought a new passport and identity card on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s behalf. Officials are examining the application’s legal basis and whether she authorised it. The foreign affairs state minister said a return could proceed through extradition and appearance before a Bangladeshi court.
Bangladesh’s government invoked its extradition treaty with India after a request for new identity documents on behalf of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. London-based legal organisation Matrix Chambers emailed the Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi seeking a new passport and national identity card. The mission forwarded the message to Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, for instructions.[1], [2]
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the email contained no proof that Hasina had authorised the organisation to act for her. He argued that such authority was necessary to establish the application as hers. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the authenticity of the request and its legal basis were being examined. He discussed the issue at a parliamentary party meeting on 9 November. The letter said earlier authorities had cancelled her documents.[1]
Kobir said Hasina could ask India to hand her over under the treaty and appear before a Bangladeshi court. Hasina left for India on 5 August 2024. In a July interview with Reuters, she expressed an intention to return in December and surrender before a court. The application letter sought prompt processing on grounds of Bangladeshi citizenship and international human-rights obligations.[1]
